Environmental Advocates (EA) uses a 3-pronged approach to promote responsible environmental decision-making – Research, Education and Action. Interns can provide support for local issues by conducting research in a variety of areas including water law, land-use/planning, environmental justice and air quality, to name a few. Environmental education is an important part of a healthy environment and interns may work on environmental education campaigns, promoting laws and policies to reduce waste, advocate for responsible water use and more.
Examples of environmental action interns may take include speaking at city council or county board meetings or preparing and submitting comments on proposed government actions affecting the environment. EA is available to work on local and, when appropriate, national environmental issues.
1. What are the subject areas EA works in?
Interns work to provide support for local issues by conducting research on topics including water law, tree law, neighbor/property disputes, land-use/planning concerns, environmental justice, environmental regulations, environmental crimes, and information about air quality issues.
2. Does EA work on animal welfare issues?
Generally, EA does not handle animal rights issues, dog bites, etc., however we are able to review the topic and provide any known resources.
3. How does EA decide to work on projects and client work?
Interns will look at the issue and determine through research if the area of concern is relevant to a current environmental issue.
4. Does EA work on Environmental Justice issues?
Yes, EA will review intakes concerning issues of Environmental Justice and assess whether we currently have interns to work on the particular issue. To learn more about Environmental Justice you can visit the EPA(opens in new window) or the Sierra Club(opens in new window)
5. Does EA work on environmental crimes?
EA can provide research and general information pertaining to crimes against the environment including pollution crimes, illegal dumping, and air quality violations. We do not provide legal advice nor legal representation for these matters. However, we may provide advocacy at the administrative level, like submitting comments for the record.
6. Does EA work with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)?
We do not work directly with FEMA(opens in new window) but we can offer information on local resources available to disaster victims including food, shelter and hazardous waste clean-up and disposal resources.
7. Where do I get information about environmental clean-up hazards?
The EPA website has great information regarding environmental clean-up hazards(opens in new window).
8. Does EA work with any particular environmental groups?
EA is not limited to work with specific environmental groups; however, we try to support the work of local environmental groups including the Butte Environmental Council(opens in new window), League of Women Voters(opens in new window), and the AquaAllianace(opens in new window) when possible. EA can provide general information on specific groups upon request.
9. Does EA help with property disputes?
No, EA does not mediate property disputes. We can help evaluate options for concerns related to environmental issues or concerns related to land use decisions.
10. How can I find information about environmental groups?
Detailed information can be found on their specific websites. Some environmental groups include the Sierra Club(opens in new window), NRDC(opens in new window), Fish and Wildlife Services(opens in new window), Food and Water Watch(opens in new window), and NOAA(opens in new window).
