How Wealth Rules the World

A newly published book by CELDF's National Organizing Director Ben G. Price on how property rights override human rights - and what communities are doing about it.

Ohio State Government Blocks Rights of Nature

Ohio House of Representatives adopts provisions to block communities and local governments from enforcing recognized legal rights for ecosystems.

Limited Donation Giveaway!

All August long, donate $100 and receive this beautiful, eco friendly water bottle with removable tea or fruit infuser!

We help communities and groups like yours.

At CELDF, we are not a typical environmental organization. We assist communities to develop first-in-the-nation, groundbreaking laws to protect rights – including worker, environmental, and democratic rights, and rights of nature. CELDF provides free and low cost legal services, grassroots organizing, and education, to communities, states, and countries facing injustice. We help them to assert their rights to fight the harms they face. Learn more about how we work, or call us now at: 717-498-0054.

News from the Grassroots

News
August 30th – September 2nd

Labor Day Retreat

and

Skill Shares Weekend

Join us in Delton, MI!
Get the details

View All Upcoming Events

Featured Articles

NPR: Should Rivers Have Same Legal Rights As Humans? A Growing Number Of Voices Say Yes

August 3, 2019

NPR covers this story on the growing Rights of Nature movement across the U.S. and around the world. "'e have to change our environmental protection in this country and across the world, because obviously what we're doing isn't working.'"

Truthout: States Are Thwarting Cities’ Attempts to Govern Themselves

July 31, 2019

The federal court’s decision to uphold the Berkeley cellphone radiation disclosure law should not be mistaken for judicial deference to the right of local self-government.

Reuters: That river has rights: new strategy to protect planet

July 31, 2019

Recognizing legal rights of ecosystems is a growing movement gaining momentum around the world.

About CELDF

The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit, public interest law firm providing free and affordable legal services to communities facing threats to their local environment, local agriculture, the local economy, and quality of life.

Read More

CELDF on the Daily Show: The Fight to Turn Lake Erie into a Person

The Daily Show's Michael Kosta covers Toledo residents' work to protect Lake Erie by recognizing the Lake's rights...and he takes the Lake's...hand in marriage?!

Watch Here

Is it Really ILLEGAL to Think Outside the Box?

What is it that keeps us from getting what we want in our communities? Why can’t we say, “No!” to harmful activities? The short answer is: THE LAW. A handful of legal doctrines make it illegal for communities to govern on important issues like fracking, factory farms, large-scale energy infrastructure projects and commercial water extraction.

Read More
A Problem: Corporations have been granted rights allowing them to wreak havoc in communities for over 200 years.
We can stop this. Here's how...

Immerse yourself in the fundamentals of our current legal system.

Learn how to better understand the issues of our time.

Discover the keys to affect lasting change.

Learn More

Show Your Support. Take Action Now.

  • Water Protectors in Nottingham, NH

    Nottingham, NH, residents have stood their ground to protect the Lamprey River Watershed, a water ecosystem supporting innumerable human and natural communities. They are up against water thieves – corporations taking their water against the will of the people.

    For over a decade they have enforced their Community Bill of Rights banning corporate water withdrawals. CELDF stands with them.

    Show Your Support

  • Lincoln Co, OR, Residents & the Siletz River Challenge the Timber Industry

    For decades, Lincoln County, OR, residents and surrounding ecosystems have been subjected to toxic aerially spraying of pesticides by the timber industry.

    Today, they’ve had enough. Working with CELDF, they are asserting the rights of the Siletz River, their own rights to clean air and pure water, and – together – they are challenging the timber industry.

    Show Your Support

  • Grant Township, PA: A Stand to Protect Their Water & Their Community

    For more than 3 years, Grant Township, PA, residents have been fighting PGE’s proposed frack wastewater injection well. Now their own Department of Environmental Protection has turned on them as well. Grant residents are unwavering in their commitment to protect their community.

    CELDF is standing with them.

    Show Your Support