- Our First Big Win Against the New Trump Administration
- Exxon Tries to Kill Our Plastic Pollution Case
- In Court to Defend White Sturgeon
- Diving Deep Into Bay-Delta Flows
- Navigating Choppy Waters for the Bay
Our First Big Win Against the New Trump Administration
Many of the EPA’s pollution standards are decades out of date, allowing illegal levels of water pollution despite the availability of modern pollution control technologies.
That’s why we joined forces with a coalition to sue the agency over its lax controls. And we won! The 9th Circuit recently ruled that the EPA must update its pollution controls for oil refineries, chemical plants, and other polluting industries.
This ruling will help stop harmful pollution here in the Bay Area and across the country.
Photo at top: Hudson Henry
Exxon Tries to Kill Our Plastic Pollution Case
Last year, we sued Exxon alleging the company misrepresented the effectiveness of “advanced” recycling technologies, and that the polymers Exxon makes were contributing to plastic pollution in San Francisco Bay and other water bodies.
Now Exxon is trying to get our case thrown out of court. But we won’t give up—last week, our attorneys defended our right to hold the oil company accountable for its role in the plastic pollution plaguing the Bay and waterways across the state.
In Court to Defend White Sturgeon
The Bay’s population of White Sturgeon—one of Earth’s most ancient fish species—is plummeting. We’ve pushed the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to grant the fish protections under the Endangered Species Act. But the agency has blown past its mandatory deadline for assessing the species’ odds at survival.
Last week we went to court to demand that the agency fulfill its mandate and grant the fish protections before it’s too late.
Illustration: Fiorella Ikeue
Oakland’s Coal Woes Continue
For many years, Oakland – with partners like Baykeeper by the city’s side – has been battling to stop a harmful coal terminal along the Bay. Now, unfortunately, a judge has ruled against the city to allow the project to move forward.
But not all is lost. The latest ruling didn’t award damages to the developers, and the city still has options to stop the project once and for all. We will continue to fight to uphold Oakland’s coal ban.
Diving Deep Into Bay-Delta Flows
The Bay is part of a complex watershed system that drains over 40% of the state of California. If you’ve ever wondered how it all fits together, and the implications for the future of the Bay, check out this new podcast interview from Restore the Delta with our lead scientist Jon Rosenfield.
The episode is an accessible deep dive into water science and how to protect our amazing watershed!
Navigating Choppy Waters for the Bay
This summer, our field investigator and RAY Fellow, Makayla Marquez, joined a network of watershed activists on the South Fork of the American River to learn how to traverse and protect our rivers. The group—hosted by Friends of the River—learned about the Bay’s living, breathing river systems and how to navigate choppy waters! The group also discussed the challenges and legislative opportunities related to California’s waters.
Makayla will be putting these skills to good use as she explores Bay tributaries looking out for polluters.
TAKE ACTION: Do you have a pollution tip for Makayla? Reach out to our pollution hotline.
Pictured: Makayla (right) during a training on the South Fork of the American River
