Southern Environmental Law Center
@selc.bsky.social
We are the Southern Environmental Law Center. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, we’re one of the nation’s most powerful environmental defenders, rooted in the South.
BREAKING: We just let a rural county in North Carolina know that we’ll sue if it doesn’t protect residents from the county landfill’s PFAS pollution: https://www.selc.org/news/a-north-carolina-countys-landfill-is-polluting-drinking-water-with-toxic-forever-chemicals/
A North Carolina county's landfill is polluting drinking water with toxic 'forever chemicals'
For tens of thousands of people in Robeson County, turning on the tap should not come with fear. Yet today, the county is knowingly supplying drinking water contaminated with unsafe levels of toxic PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These super d...
www.selc.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:52 PM
BREAKING: We just let a rural county in North Carolina know that we’ll sue if it doesn’t protect residents from the county landfill’s PFAS pollution: https://www.selc.org/news/a-north-carolina-countys-landfill-is-polluting-drinking-water-with-toxic-forever-chemicals/
Rural residents in Stokes County, NC are raising alarms over a proposed mega data center along the Dan River, on land that includes burial grounds of enslaved and Indigenous people. A related zoning change would allow data centers countywide: https://selc.link/4sxEGDH
Data center proposal sparks backlash in Stokes County
Thousands have signed a petition opposing a proposed data center in Stokes County.
selc.link
January 12, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Rural residents in Stokes County, NC are raising alarms over a proposed mega data center along the Dan River, on land that includes burial grounds of enslaved and Indigenous people. A related zoning change would allow data centers countywide: https://selc.link/4sxEGDH
Duke Energy has proposed merging its Carolinas and Progress subsidiaries, a move they say will save ratepayers money.
SELC is stepping in to ensure NC residents receive the full benefits of the merger, enhance affordability & advocate for clean energy: https://selc.link/3LhabB6
SELC is stepping in to ensure NC residents receive the full benefits of the merger, enhance affordability & advocate for clean energy: https://selc.link/3LhabB6
January 6, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Duke Energy has proposed merging its Carolinas and Progress subsidiaries, a move they say will save ratepayers money.
SELC is stepping in to ensure NC residents receive the full benefits of the merger, enhance affordability & advocate for clean energy: https://selc.link/3LhabB6
SELC is stepping in to ensure NC residents receive the full benefits of the merger, enhance affordability & advocate for clean energy: https://selc.link/3LhabB6
A recent gas line explosion in California sent multiple victims to the hospital and burned several houses.
Methane gas poses a danger to our environment, health, and public safety: https://selc.link/44AUg70
Methane gas poses a danger to our environment, health, and public safety: https://selc.link/44AUg70
Bay Area Gas Explosion Injures at Least 6 and Starts Neighborhood Fire (Gift Article)
A gas line explosion in Hayward, Calif., sent multiple victims to the hospital and led to a fire that burned several houses.
selc.link
December 20, 2025 at 8:08 PM
A recent gas line explosion in California sent multiple victims to the hospital and burned several houses.
Methane gas poses a danger to our environment, health, and public safety: https://selc.link/44AUg70
Methane gas poses a danger to our environment, health, and public safety: https://selc.link/44AUg70
Passing the SPEED Act is a holiday gift to the oil and gas industry. Everyone should oppose attempts to block the public from holding polluters or the government accountable when they ignore the law: www.selc.org/press-releas...
SPEED Act vote is another attempt to give polluters a free pass - Southern Environmental Law Center
WASHINGTON- The House vote to approve the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development (SPEED) Act is another attack on bedrock environmental laws that give people in the South a voice...
www.selc.org
December 18, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Passing the SPEED Act is a holiday gift to the oil and gas industry. Everyone should oppose attempts to block the public from holding polluters or the government accountable when they ignore the law: www.selc.org/press-releas...
The U.S. House just passed the PERMIT Act — a giveaway to industrial polluters that threatens the rivers and streams we rely on for drinking, fishing, and swimming. SELC joined 150+ groups in opposition. Our water is on the line. #ProtectCleanWater protectcleanwater.org/wp-content/u...
December 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The U.S. House just passed the PERMIT Act — a giveaway to industrial polluters that threatens the rivers and streams we rely on for drinking, fishing, and swimming. SELC joined 150+ groups in opposition. Our water is on the line. #ProtectCleanWater protectcleanwater.org/wp-content/u...
As Southern cities grow, smart, equitable transit is the way forward. Voters just approved a major referendum to expand light rail and modernize transit across the region in Charlotte.
More on this historic win: https://selc.link/3Xenwwd
More on this historic win: https://selc.link/3Xenwwd
November 6, 2025 at 4:14 PM
As Southern cities grow, smart, equitable transit is the way forward. Voters just approved a major referendum to expand light rail and modernize transit across the region in Charlotte.
More on this historic win: https://selc.link/3Xenwwd
More on this historic win: https://selc.link/3Xenwwd
“This is already on track to be one of the most expensive gas-fired power plants in history, and the health and environmental impacts will reach millions.” - Eddy Moore, @CleanEnergyOrg https://selc.link/4oaufDj
South Carolina gas plant plans finally surface
This month, a private pipeline company began informing landowners in Georgia and South Carolina that it's eyeing their property for construction of a pipeline that would serve a proposed methane gas plant in Canadys, South Carolina. With the power of “e...
selc.link
October 30, 2025 at 3:46 PM
“This is already on track to be one of the most expensive gas-fired power plants in history, and the health and environmental impacts will reach millions.” - Eddy Moore, @CleanEnergyOrg https://selc.link/4oaufDj
Japan has rapidly expanded its use of industrial wood pellets for energy but this so-called “climate solution” is devastating Southern forests and harming nearby communities. SELC’s Heather Hillaker joined a delegation to Japan to share how this false “climate solution” impacts the South.
October 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Japan has rapidly expanded its use of industrial wood pellets for energy but this so-called “climate solution” is devastating Southern forests and harming nearby communities. SELC’s Heather Hillaker joined a delegation to Japan to share how this false “climate solution” impacts the South.
Cleaner air. Lower costs. More jobs. CHARGE’s new report confirms the benefits of clean transportation programs. Congress—protect and expand these investments. America can’t afford to go backwards.
Learn more: www.chargingusforward.com/charging-for...
Learn more: www.chargingusforward.com/charging-for...
Clean Transportation Works: An Analysis of U.S. Investments — Coalition Helping America Rebuild and Go Electric
A report from CHARGE and Atlas Public Policy finds that clean transportation programs worth billions are cutting costs, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting public health. Four sectoral analyses ...
www.chargingusforward.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Cleaner air. Lower costs. More jobs. CHARGE’s new report confirms the benefits of clean transportation programs. Congress—protect and expand these investments. America can’t afford to go backwards.
Learn more: www.chargingusforward.com/charging-for...
Learn more: www.chargingusforward.com/charging-for...
“We’re in court fighting because the E.P.A. ripped away this program from families with no basis,” SELC senior attorney Nick Torrey said to the NY Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/c...
In Georgia, Trump’s Cuts to Solar Projects Hit Some of His Voters
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:46 PM
“We’re in court fighting because the E.P.A. ripped away this program from families with no basis,” SELC senior attorney Nick Torrey said to the NY Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/11/c...
Reposted by Southern Environmental Law Center
All around the world, groups are preparing for a day of action to raise awareness of the impacts of the biomass industry. YOU are invited to join them! #BigBadBiomass🪚🌳
You can take part: organise an online or offline action on October 21st. Learn how: environmentalpaper.org/2025/08/idoa...
You can take part: organise an online or offline action on October 21st. Learn how: environmentalpaper.org/2025/08/idoa...
September 18, 2025 at 11:51 AM
All around the world, groups are preparing for a day of action to raise awareness of the impacts of the biomass industry. YOU are invited to join them! #BigBadBiomass🪚🌳
You can take part: organise an online or offline action on October 21st. Learn how: environmentalpaper.org/2025/08/idoa...
You can take part: organise an online or offline action on October 21st. Learn how: environmentalpaper.org/2025/08/idoa...
EVs are on the move in the South. Despite efforts in DC to undercut EV demand, EVs are an increasingly popular choice with drivers. In GA, VA, and NC, EVs made up nearly 10% of all new car sales in the first half of this year: https://selc.link/3KCJ7eQ
Will the Southeast’s booming EV sector survive the end of tax credits?
Demand for electric vehicles is rising in the region, a new study says. Consumers, utilities, and automakers may help sustain growth despite loss of…
www.canarymedia.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
EVs are on the move in the South. Despite efforts in DC to undercut EV demand, EVs are an increasingly popular choice with drivers. In GA, VA, and NC, EVs made up nearly 10% of all new car sales in the first half of this year: https://selc.link/3KCJ7eQ
"When the mud covers oyster beds, traps shrimp and kills what’s underneath — it doesn’t just wipe away the catch—it wipes our way of life.” - Anthony Theriot, Cameron Parish fisherman: https://www.kplctv.com/2025/09/26/new-ldwf-report-shows-sediment-higher-mortality-rate-oyster-beds-big-lake/#
New LDWF report shows sediment, higher mortality rate on oyster beds in Big Lake
New data from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) shows sediment deposits on several public oyster reefs in South Big Lake, as well as an unusual mortality rate on some of the on...
www.kplctv.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM
"When the mud covers oyster beds, traps shrimp and kills what’s underneath — it doesn’t just wipe away the catch—it wipes our way of life.” - Anthony Theriot, Cameron Parish fisherman: https://www.kplctv.com/2025/09/26/new-ldwf-report-shows-sediment-higher-mortality-rate-oyster-beds-big-lake/#
One year ago, Helene tore through Appalachia — reminding us that climate change isn’t a distant threat. It’s here, now. Author Jay Leutze reflects on the chaotic days following the storm and the strength of his neighbors who are still working together to rebuild. https://selc.link/42zRez5
How Helene redefined home
By Jay Leutze I evacuated when the first bands of Tropical Depression Helene swept into the mountains of western North Carolina in late September. Most, including my friend Ashley Cook, did not. The r...
www.selc.org
September 29, 2025 at 6:55 PM
One year ago, Helene tore through Appalachia — reminding us that climate change isn’t a distant threat. It’s here, now. Author Jay Leutze reflects on the chaotic days following the storm and the strength of his neighbors who are still working together to rebuild. https://selc.link/42zRez5
Reposted by Southern Environmental Law Center
Congratulations and thank you to @selc.bsky.social and Sound Rivers for using the law to protect water in Falls Lake, NC. www.wral.com/news/local/d...
Durham subdivision runoff lawsuit ends in settlement
Durham developer Mungo Homes settles lawsuit over muddy runoff, agreeing to fines, erosion fixes, and funding to protect 62 acres in the Falls Lake watershed.
www.wral.com
September 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Congratulations and thank you to @selc.bsky.social and Sound Rivers for using the law to protect water in Falls Lake, NC. www.wral.com/news/local/d...
Are you one of the 900k people that may be drinking contaminated water in the Cape Fear River Basin? You can speak up.
The EPA will be hosting a public hearing about the City of Asheboro’s discharges of cancer-causing 1,4-Dioxane on 10/22: https://selc.link/41Rjf4J
The EPA will be hosting a public hearing about the City of Asheboro’s discharges of cancer-causing 1,4-Dioxane on 10/22: https://selc.link/41Rjf4J
September 11, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Are you one of the 900k people that may be drinking contaminated water in the Cape Fear River Basin? You can speak up.
The EPA will be hosting a public hearing about the City of Asheboro’s discharges of cancer-causing 1,4-Dioxane on 10/22: https://selc.link/41Rjf4J
The EPA will be hosting a public hearing about the City of Asheboro’s discharges of cancer-causing 1,4-Dioxane on 10/22: https://selc.link/41Rjf4J
The South’s wildest, most untouched places are on the line and you have just two weeks to stand up for them. Tell the Forest Service we need the roadless rule now: https://selc.link/3V0gvOG
September 4, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The South’s wildest, most untouched places are on the line and you have just two weeks to stand up for them. Tell the Forest Service we need the roadless rule now: https://selc.link/3V0gvOG
Last week, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution calling on federal regulators to protect residents and reject a dangerous pipeline.
Learn more: https://selc.link/45MAHK1
Learn more: https://selc.link/45MAHK1
Forsyth County commissioners pass resolution opposing pipeline expansion
During Thursday's meeting, Forsyth County residents again voiced environmental and safety concerns.
selc.link
September 3, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Last week, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution calling on federal regulators to protect residents and reject a dangerous pipeline.
Learn more: https://selc.link/45MAHK1
Learn more: https://selc.link/45MAHK1
Did you know that the Trump administration recently made it harder for you to weigh in on federal rules?
"There is definitely a pattern of this administration skirting around transparency and oversight tools.” - SELC Federal Regulatory Director Liz Zepeda: https://selc.link/4g2vCR8
"There is definitely a pattern of this administration skirting around transparency and oversight tools.” - SELC Federal Regulatory Director Liz Zepeda: https://selc.link/4g2vCR8
The government just made it harder for you to weigh in on federal rules
The GSA killed a simple tool that made it easy for advocacy groups to submit public comments. Now, only insiders and industry players will be heard.
selc.link
September 3, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Did you know that the Trump administration recently made it harder for you to weigh in on federal rules?
"There is definitely a pattern of this administration skirting around transparency and oversight tools.” - SELC Federal Regulatory Director Liz Zepeda: https://selc.link/4g2vCR8
"There is definitely a pattern of this administration skirting around transparency and oversight tools.” - SELC Federal Regulatory Director Liz Zepeda: https://selc.link/4g2vCR8
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Submit your book or article for the Reed Environmental Writing Award. The Reed Award celebrates writers who achieve literary excellence and offer extraordinary insight into the South’s natural treasures and environmental challenges: www.selc.org/2026-reed-en...
August 19, 2025 at 1:13 PM
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Submit your book or article for the Reed Environmental Writing Award. The Reed Award celebrates writers who achieve literary excellence and offer extraordinary insight into the South’s natural treasures and environmental challenges: www.selc.org/2026-reed-en...
In NC, legislators have approved a dangerous bill that prohibits them from considering critical things like avoidable serious illness, health harms, and preserving property values when calculating the impact of potential environmental rules, via @wunc.org: www.wunc.org/environment/...
NC lawmakers green-light bill that could weaken environmental protections, critics warn
This week, state lawmakers made it more difficult to establish regulations that potentially protect the environment and public health with the passage of House Bill 402. Critics say the measure create...
www.wunc.org
August 14, 2025 at 8:37 PM
In NC, legislators have approved a dangerous bill that prohibits them from considering critical things like avoidable serious illness, health harms, and preserving property values when calculating the impact of potential environmental rules, via @wunc.org: www.wunc.org/environment/...
GREAT NEWS: On August 8, the Fish and Wildlife Service shared the that the world’s only wild population of red wolves has grown by as many as 16 pups. The births are a critical step forward for a wild population that numbered only seven wolves in 2020: www.selc.org/news/hope-fo...
Hope for red wolves
Full tree canopies and blooming goldenrod. Shifting bird sightings with migrating flocks. The thrum of cicadas, late sunsets, and lightning bugs. The final remnants of summer are all around — and in ...
www.selc.org
August 11, 2025 at 8:38 PM
GREAT NEWS: On August 8, the Fish and Wildlife Service shared the that the world’s only wild population of red wolves has grown by as many as 16 pups. The births are a critical step forward for a wild population that numbered only seven wolves in 2020: www.selc.org/news/hope-fo...
The EPA stripped billions of environmental grant dollars from communities across the South and beyond. We’re leading a historic class action lawsuit to get these funds back to the communities that need them most.
Learn more via The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Learn more via The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
First-of-a-kind US class-action lawsuit would force EPA to reinstate $3bn climate program
Coalition of non-profits, tribes and local governments sued EPA chief for halting climate justice grants
www.theguardian.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:46 PM
The EPA stripped billions of environmental grant dollars from communities across the South and beyond. We’re leading a historic class action lawsuit to get these funds back to the communities that need them most.
Learn more via The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Learn more via The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Southern Environmental Law Center
“This new law marks an awful turning point for families and communities across North Carolina when elected officials in the state legislature ignore serious illnesses and deaths in favor of polluters’ profits.” @selc.bsky.social's Mary Maclean Asbill
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/04/n...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/04/n...
NC lawmakers green-light bill that could weaken environmental protections, critics warn
Gov. Stein vetoed HB 402, lawmakers overrode his objections. The law imposes high thresholds for regulations, public health risk, critics say.
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org
August 5, 2025 at 2:00 AM
“This new law marks an awful turning point for families and communities across North Carolina when elected officials in the state legislature ignore serious illnesses and deaths in favor of polluters’ profits.” @selc.bsky.social's Mary Maclean Asbill
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/04/n...
www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/08/04/n...