Enforcing Anti-Pollution Laws

When the government doesn't take legal action, NELC does

The Issues We Face

National Environmental Law Center

NELC is a non-profit litigation center founded in 1990 to enforce anti-pollution laws and protect public health and the environment. NELC attorneys work closely with state and local citizen groups by providing essential legal expertise to bring corporate polluters to justice.

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Remembering Ed Lloyd

It is with great sadness that NELC notes the passing of Ed Lloyd, who (along with current litigation Director Chuck Caldart) was one of the two founding attorneys of NELC in 1990. Ed was a pioneering public interest lawyer, and a true crusader for the environment, and he will be dearly missed. Click here to learn more about Ed’s lasting legacy.

Our Primary Focus

Clean Air

Protecting communities from illegal air pollution.

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Clean Water

Safeguarding water quality by holding corporations and municipalities accountable for illegal discharges.

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Other Issues

Species Protection

Conserving endangered plants and animals and their habitats.

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Hazardous Waste

Ensuring corporations and the government manage hazardous and other solid wastes responsibly.

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Regulatory Challenges

Challenging government regulations that fail to protect the environment and public health.

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What We Do

NELC's Impact

For more than three decades, NELC lawsuits have confronted violators of environmental protection laws, holding polluters accountable and protecting communities and ecosystems throughout the country.

100+
Lawsuits Initiated
$300m+
Pollution control upgrades
90+
Local Environmental and Public Health Projects Funded
$50m+
Penalties imposed on polluters
Featured Victory
Clean Water

Environment Florida, Sierra Club v. Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.

World’s second-largest poultry processer compelled to eliminate wastewater violations at a poultry slaughterhouse in northern Florida and fund sustainable practices at family farms in the Suwaneee River area

1,377
Days of CWA violations
$1.43m
Civil Penalty imposed
$1.3m
Portion of civil penalty used to create Sustainable Farming Fund for family farms in Suwannee Basin
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Active Cases

Active

Environment Texas, Sierra Club v. ExxonMobil

NELC proves ExxonMobil violated Clean Air Act over 16,000 times at massive Gulf Coast refinery complex, and secures largest civil penalty assessed by a federal court in a Clean Air Act citizen suit (pending a second appeal)

Clean Air
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Get Involved

Our work is made possible by people like you

Through membership support, NELC attorneys obtain court orders to stop illegal pollution and secure major penalties against violators of environmental laws. Help us protect public health and the environment by making a tax-deductible contribution.

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More Ways to Give

Our members contribute in many ways. No matter what form your gift takes, it will support NELC’s research and litigation and bring the nation’s worst polluters to justice.

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Environmental Allies

NELC works side by side with environmental groups and public health organizations throughout the country, bringing lawsuits to protect communities and the environment from illegal pollution.

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Citizen Enforcement

Our landmark environmental laws allow citizens to step up when government agencies lack the resources or the will to take on polluters. NELC provides essential legal representation so that people affected by illegal pollution can bring those responsible to justice.

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Press Room

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