A MAN WITH
A CAUSE
TRIP VAN NOPPEN
PRESIDENT OF
EARTHJUSTICE.ORG
“Earthjustice was created by
a small group of attorneys with
a passionate belief that the power
of the law could be used to preserve the environment. They helped establish the right of citizens to
go to court to enforce environmental laws when the government couldn’t or wouldn’t.”
– Trip Van Noppen,
Earthjustice President
Earthjustice
is the nation’s premiere
environmental law organization,
built on the belief that we all have
the right to a healthy environment.
Since its founding in 1971,
Earthjustice has defended that right
by using the law to
hold polluters accountable
and to fight for the earth
and its inhabitants.
Trip, when did you get involved with Earthjustice and why?
Early in my legal career I brought cases for victims challenging pesticide misuse, drinking water contamination and toxic air pollution. I was fighting for people injured by polluters’ misconduct, but I saw the need to use the law to address the causes of those injuries, not only the consequences. That’s what led me to Earthjustice, first as Vice President for Litigation, where I worked with outstanding attorneys across the organization to help craft the strategies that will achieve the most important and lasting results, and now, as the organization’s President.
Earthjustice pursues three key goals to secure a just and flourishing world. Can you elaborate on these goals please?
1.
Earthjustice uses the law to preserve a rich, sustainable and diverse natural heritage for current and future generations. We select cases that will protect endangered species, sensitive habitats and threatened wild lands; reduce human impacts on ecosystems, both on land and sea; and hold accountable those who damage them.
BY BRIGITTE PERREAULT
Perreault Magazine - 34 -