Top Accomplishments
New Mexico Promises Stronger Enforcement of Oil and Gas Regulations
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham restored authority to the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division to issue penalties to oil and gas companies that break the law. With the authority to take enforcement action, the state can lead the way to cleaner air and safer communities.
Colorado’s State Mining Law Reformed
Mining permits will only be given to companies that will not rely on long term (perpetual) water treatment operations after mine closure, in order to protect water quality. Companies now are required to back their projects with actual financial assets instead of “self bonds.”
Secured Air Protections from Ohio Petrochemical Plant
Earthworks and allies joined in a lawsuit to appeal the air permit for the proposed Belmont ethane cracker. The first legal settlement was secured against a petrochemical facility requiring continuous air monitoring, leak detection, and repair.
Advanced a Clean, Just and Equitable Transition to Renewable Energy
Published new research on the impacts of projected minerals demand for renewables which we presented to allies, investors, renewable energy and tech companies, shaping the conversation and preparing us for our transition to clean renewable energy.
Campaigned Against Oil and Gas Waste on Roads
When a Pennsylvania resident told Earthworks that the oil and gas waste spread on her road was making her sick, we mobilized a grassroots coalition against the spreading of toxic waste and successfully defeated attempts to legalize this practice.
Exposed Flawed Community Consultation Process
Guatemala’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government must consult with the Xinka Indigenous people before reopening the world’s largest silver mine, but the process has been plagued by irregularities. Earthworks has been monitoring the flawed “consultation”, exposing a discriminatory system and empowering communities to keep fighting.
