2024 has been a remarkable year for environmental progress across the United States, from protecting old-growth forests to advancing clean energy and holding polluters accountable. Efforts to conserve natural habitats, improve air and water quality, and push for sustainable policies have gained significant momentum and have been driven by public advocacy and legislative action. These are 2024’s biggest moments for U.S. forests, wildlife, and conservation.
America’s Oldest Forests
Some of America’s oldest forests have been targeted for logging. In response, a coalition organized efforts to advocate for their protection. Over two years, the U.S. Forest Service held four public comment periods, allowing people to submit their opinions on conserving old-growth forests.
Public Support
During these comment periods, the coalition helped gather and submit more than one million public comments urging forest protection over logging. Much of this support was driven by environmental advocates who educated the public on the importance of allowing mature and old-growth forests to continue thriving.
Renewable Energy And Conservation
Renewable energy is gaining momentum across the political spectrum, with conservative and liberal states making significant strides toward cleaner power. According to Environment America’s 2024 Renewables on the Rise online dashboard, Texas, California, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Kansas are the top five states for total renewable energy generation. Meanwhile, Southeastern states like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia have seen a significant surge in solar energy, increasing their solar capacity 33 times from 2014 to 2023.
A Shift To Sustainability
On top of that, ten offshore wind farms have been approved, and six million children now attend schools powered by solar energy. New energy-saving standards, backed by Environment America, have also been finalized, further supporting the shift to sustainability.
Cleaner Air
In a major victory for clean air, PennEnvironment reached a settlement with U.S. Steel over thousands of Clean Air Act violations dating back to 2018. As part of the agreement, U.S. Steel will pay $42 million, including a record-breaking $5 million penalty, which is the largest ever in a Clean Air Act citizen enforcement case in Pennsylvania. This settlement marks a significant step toward holding polluters accountable and improving air quality for local communities.
Water Pollution
Meanwhile, environmental groups are also taking legal action to address water pollution. Working with the National Environmental Law Center, Environment California accused the Port of Los Angeles of violating the federal Clean Water Act, citing over 2,000 illegal pollution discharges in the past five years.
Clean Water Act Violations
Environment Ohio has also filed a lawsuit against Campbell Soup, alleging thousands of Clean Water Act violations at its canning facility along the Maumee River in northwestern Ohio.
Protecting Pollinators
California is taking steps to protect pollinators by requiring labeling on seeds coated with neonicotinoid pesticides, a chemical that is famous for harming bees and other essential species. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to increase awareness of the risks associated with these pesticides. Meanwhile, in Colorado, a new law backed by Environment Colorado has taken effect, banning the sale of neonicotinoids in retail stores.
Protecting Marine Life
In addition to protecting land-based wildlife, efforts to protect marine life have also made progress. A newly designated 4,000-plus square-mile Chumash marine sanctuary will supply critical protection for sea otters, sea turtles, and other ocean species along the California coast, spanning from Pismo Beach to the Channel Islands. Conservation advocates are also supporting the proposal for a new Chuckwalla National Monument, located just south of Joshua Tree National Park, which will hopefully further expand protections for California’s diverse habitats.
Indigenous Organizations
The Amazon Indigenous Rights and Resources project ran from August 2019 to August 2024 across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It brought together a network of specialized nongovernmental organizations to work with national and local Indigenous peoples’ organizations to influence policies affecting their territories and livelihoods. It supported 29 Indigenous businesses and helped them achieve greater autonomy and economic results, benefiting 3,830 people and improving the management of 252,544 acres.
Environment America
Environment America has stated, “While the legislative advocacy of our 30 state organizations remain our go-to options, our staff and supporters found opportunities to protect the natural world in multiple forums. In April, staff from our state environmental groups joined our federal staff in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act.”
Improve Environmental Practices
“Environment Texas is now advocating for local clean energy, air and water policies in Dallas and Houston, as well as in Austin, the state capital. Our campaigns have called on companies such as Walmart and General Mills to improve their environmental practices. We’ve even tackled international issues, such as the fate of North America’s boreal forest and the specter of deep sea mining.”
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