Litigate

CBF's Litigation Department uses carefully chosen legal action as another tool for advancing the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers, lakes, and streams.

Litigation is used to not only protect and enforce the current environmental laws but to bring about environmentally friendly change within our legal system. CBF attorneys argue cases in the federal and state courts within the watershed and file amicus curiae—also called Friend of the Court—briefs in related environmental lawsuits.

Carefully executed litigation serves three primary purposes:

It spurs enforcement efforts against those who violate laws that were created to protect the watershed.
It helps define and drive the agenda for public debate over restoration and protection of the Bay.
It delivers concrete and enforceable progress in resource restoration.

Learn more about CBF's active cases, concluded cases, and amicus curiae briefs.

Podcasts

No Drill, No Spill

27 Mar 2018 Episode 78 | 00:19:04

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker and CBF Litigation Fellow Brittany Wright discuss the dangers of offshore drilling and the current administration's plan to put the Chesapeake Bay at risk.
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch

19 Dec 2017 Episode 71 | 00:12:11

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker talks with CBF Attorney Alayna Chuney about some new developments in the effort to reduce the harmful pollution coming from Baltimore City's Wheelabrator trash incinerator.
Up In the Air

11 Oct 2017 Episode 66 | 00:17:27

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker talks with CBF attorneys Ariel Solaski and Alayna Chuney about recent litigation aimed at reducing the air pollution from neighboring states.
Environmental Justice

10 May 2017 Episode 55 | 00:25.50

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker and Litigation Fellow Alayna Chuney discuss the importance of a healthy environment for all.
Supreme Court Denies Farm Bureau Attack

01 Mar 2016 Episode 25 | 00:11:26

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker and Vice President for Litigation Jon Mueller applaud the Supreme Court's historic decision to uphold the legality of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.
The Ruling Is In: A Great Win for Clean Water!

07 Jul 2015 Episode 8 | 00:20:02

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker and CBF Vice President Jon Mueller dicuss the just-in historic ruling in favor of EPA, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and other intervenors.
Something A Little Different

12 May 2015 Episode 4 | 00:11:23

In this episode, CBF President Will Baker interviews Vice President for Litigation Jon Mueller about the litigation over the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.