Earthworks

09/03/2026

While in Colorado we can celebrate the closure of several shoddy operators, their closure and the fact that the state is now inheriting their messes is indicative of a much larger problem, one that closing them alone does not solve.

Read more in our blog, "The Tip of the Iceberg" by CO Field Advocate Andrew Klooster.

🔗 https://bit.ly/CO-Tip-of-Iceberg

09/01/2026

“People were potentially exposed to a chemical soup."

That’s how one researcher described Chevron’s Bishop well blowout in Galeton, CO—where fracked fluids, crude oil, and gas spewed into the air for nearly five days straight this April.

🏠 14 families had to evacuate.

🧪 Benzene—a cancer-causing chemical—was found 10x above federal limits more than 2 miles away.

🏫 An elementary school next door had to shut down.

🏚️ Homes are still being decontaminated, wrapped in plastic like a scene out of Chernobyl.

This isn’t just a local disaster—it’s a warning. When cut corners, entire communities pay the price.

https://biggaspolluters.org/polluter-of-the-month-chevron/

08/27/2026

⚠️ Pollution Isn’t Debatable ⚖️

What responsibility do states have to protect schools from nearby industrial pollution? That question is taking center stage in New Mexico as lawmakers discuss setbacks between schools and oil and gas infrastructure. ⚖️🏫

Community advocates, researchers, and policymakers are weighing the evidence and discussing what stronger protections could look like moving forward. 🌎📊

One thing is clear: communities want their voices heard. 📢✊

Read the story 🔗➡️ https://bit.ly/Clean-Air-For-Kids

08/25/2026

Trump's sweetheart deals with mining companies make money for his corporate executive friends, his family, and even Secretary Lutnick's son. 💰

But are they good for taxpayers?

(Spoilers: Probably not.)

Read more 🔗 bit.ly/gold-gifts

08/25/2026

Across New Mexico, communities are increasingly being asked to host large-scale data centers—often with little notice and limited opportunity for meaningful public input. As proposals continue to emerge around the state, many people are asking the same questions:

🌱 What are the impacts on our water, air quality, energy system, and public health?
🌱 How are communities organizing in response?
🌱 What protections should New Mexico put in place before more projects move forward?

We hope you'll join us for an important statewide conversation tomorrow at 6pm MT:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCMsMzwX4MiOY-M57VfUjbex4uYb_aV5AVequYZgCT48rJ4A/viewform

08/18/2026

“Operators are trying to convince the public that they are doing everything they can to control emissions. The reality is they are doing everything they are required to do, and in this case, they are claiming they are not required to do anything.”

— Andrew Klooster, Earthworks

Read the full article:

Environmentalists fear the answer is “no,” as regulators determine how to permit more produced water recycling facilities in disadvantaged communities.

08/14/2026

Oregon just issued permits for the McDermitt Lithium Exploration Project despite the concerns of communities and Indigenous and environmental groups.

When the federal government puts corporate profits ahead of people, states have a responsibility to step up. Oregon has missed its chance to do that for this project.

Read our press release 🔗 bit.ly/4fZOD8H

08/13/2026

🌎 But Who Bears the Burden? 👀

States like Pennsylvania MUST prioritize people’s health and safety above greedy industry profits. That must be the case with fracking and with planned data centers. 🛜⚖️

Communities are calling for stronger buffer zones between new fracking infrastructure and the places people live, learn, and receive care. Communities deserve healthy and safe neighborhoods. Read more about what's happening in Pennsylvania and why these conversations matter 📢✊

Read the full article 🔗➡️ https://bit.ly/Data-Center-Fracking

As demand for gas rises, environmental groups say that wider buffer zones are needed around drilling sites. The industry argues that would impede production.

08/12/2026

Big news from California! The state Court of Appeal agrees that Imperial County needs to do better on its review of air and water impacts from the Hell’s Kitchen Lithium Project.

We want this project to be done right. That means respecting the community and protecting public health.

Read more 🔗 bit.ly/4wQZ9Vy

08/12/2026

🌄 A Future Worth Protecting. ⚖️

For generations, Indigenous communities have cared for the lands and waters they call home. In Argentina's Salinas Grandes, those traditions continue today as communities work to protect water, preserve their way of life, and advocate for a future where environmental progress doesn't come at the expense of people or place. ⚠️😷

On this International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we're recognizing the knowledge, leadership, and stewardship that Indigenous communities bring to conversations about climate, conservation, and a just energy transition. 🌎🌱

Read the full article 🔗➡️ https://bit.ly/Argentina-Lithium-Extraction

Rich in lithium but poor in water, traditional Andean communities want the world to recognise the pitfalls of surging demand for minerals vital to the global energy transition