TAL MARCH_APRIL EDITION SAVING OUR EARTH | Page 55

It can be easy to feel discouraged when you take stock of the obstacles to protect our air and water , fight for environmental justice , and combat the climate crisis — especially here in the South . Our region has inherited and created some of the greatest environmental challenges facing the nation and the world today . But at the Southern Environmental Law Center , we feel a great sense of purpose , responsibility , and hope for our environmental future because we know solutions start right here . Nonprofit and nonpartisan , we are the largest environmental organization rooted in , and focused on , our region . The landmark work we do in court , in government , and in our communities helps shape and
COMMUNITY drive environmental policies and protections across the country . To do this critical work , we partner alongside a variety of groups and communities across Georgia , Alabama , North and South Carolina , Tennessee , and Virginia . This year in Georgia , we ’ ve tackled complex environmental issues and successfully challenged opponents to secure legal , legislative , and policy victories and provide pro bono services to our nonprofit partners . Working together , we ’ ve made meaningful progress to ensure communities ’ basic rights to clean air and clean water , to right environmental injustices , and to advocate for better access to clean , cost-effective energy .
Image Name : SELC Metrogreen 211021036 © Ron Sherman . jpg Caption : Community organizers Renee Cail ( left ) and Jennifer Wilson ( center ) with SELC senior attorney April Lipscomb ( right ) In DeKalb County . Photo credit : Ron Sherman / SELC
Image Name : SELC _ Treva-Gear-Adel © Julie Dermansky . jpg Caption : Dr . Treva Gear , founder and chair of the Concerned Citizens of Cook County , stands on railroad tracks that cut through Adel , Ga . Photo credit : Julie Dermansky / SELC
Image Name : SELC _ JenniferWhitfield _ DavidMorgan ) 02062024 © Andrew Whitaker . jpg
28 March / April 2024