Communities of color, Tribes, and low-income communities often experience a disproportionate share of the negative impacts of pollution and industrial development. Taking the lead from our clients and partners who are working in these communities, Crag helps strengthen organizing efforts by educating and advocating for legal solutions to remedy disparate impacts of environmental pollution. Crag’s first environmental justice case challenged under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act the Environmental Protection Agency’s failure to respond to complaints from the Rosemere Neighborhood Association in Washington. We have continued environmental justice work since that first landmark victory, including representing native communities in Alaska and Oregon to protect subsistence hunting and cultural values.

Crag works with local residents, community organizations, and conservation groups to hold industry and local governments accountable for polluting our air, land, and water.  When industrial facilities violate permit requirements under the Clean Water Act or Clean Air Act, risking the health of local communities by degrading water and air quality, Crag seeks to enforce permit requirements in court.  Additionally, Crag advises clients on state-wide efforts to reform pollution prevention and control regulations.  By working to reform state legislation and enforce current laws and regulations, Crag strives to protect human and environmental health of current and future generations.