Update - 1/16/15: Just a couple of hours after posting this blog, some big news broke on the BP trial. Judge Barbier issued his ruling on Phase 2 of the trial, which concluded back in October 2013 and was focused on the amount of oil spilled into the Gulf and the response and recovery to the disaster. The Judge ruled that BP released 134 million gallons of oil during the disaster (higher than what BP's lawyers had argued, and less than what the government's lawyers contended), and that BP was not grossly negligent in its response to the disaster. 

As mentioned below, Judge Barbier has already found BP grossly negligent for their actions leading to the blowout. This new ruling that BP was not guilty of gross negligence in their response to the disaster is essentially saying that BP is no different than others in the industry. The fact that no one...

Together, we can win. In a precedent setting decision, a state judge overturned a permit for the RAM coal export terminal. 

The proposed RAM coal export terminal in Plaquemines Parish would interfere with one of Louisiana’s major coastal restoration projects (the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion) and start mile-long, uncovered coal trains running through Gretna, Belle Chasse and the West Bank. This victory stops the RAM coal export terminal in its tracks. People for the coast prevailed - what a great way to start the year!

GRN and Sierra Club, with our partners in the Clean Gulf Commerce Coalition and community leaders, led a robust grassroots campaign that fought this proposed terminal.

Thank you for signing petitions, putting up yard signs, speaking to elected officials, participating in meetings, recruiting friends, family and neighbors, spreading the word, and donating to support the monitoring and organizing it takes to keep move this forward. Your engagement...

High-volume hydraulic fracturing (or simply, ‘fracking’) is characterized by the pressurized injection of unique water-chemical mixtures thousands of feet below our planet’s surface. This forced insertion enlarges cracked geologic formations, releasing trapped hydrocarbons like natural gas and petroleum for collection. Although some champion fracking as a futuristic means of energy recovery, others see it as a shortsighted practice that carries great risks to our society’s collective health.

As of today, New York State will officially be ‘frack-free.’

The state’s Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, announced this formal prohibition alongside the publication of his department’s comprehensive public health review of the contentious practice. In the months leading up to its release, much speculation and anticipation had built around the study’s potential contents.

For those unaware of New York’s political picture, Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken quite an unremarkable stance on the fracking issue while in office. His predecessor...

Hurricane season may be over, but massive flooding is threatening Washington Parish. This time, there is no storm to blame—it’s powerful interests who want to build a lake, drowning our forests, historical landmarks and rivers.

Take action today and say no to this “fake lake.”

For a decade, Louisiana residents have been resisting this lake, which would involve damming the Boga Lusa Creek, because of the impacts it would have on forests and cemeteries in the lake’s footprint, and surrounding homes.  In fact, this project would flood over a thousand acres of forest - threatening wildlife like the Louisiana black bear and Gulf  sturgeon.

Last time a version of this lake and dam was proposed, residents and committed state and federal agencies were able to stop the project from moving forward. Now is the time add your voice to those determined to preserve the paradise we...