L4GG at the White House and Climate Week: Lawyers Leading the Charge for Clean Energy and Community Transformation

The last few weeks have been nothing short of extraordinary for Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) and our Climate Change and Environmental Justice (CCEJ) team. Our participation in high-level meetings, from the White House to Climate Week NYC, underscored just how far we’ve come in using legal expertise to help under-resourced communities access critical funding to build clean energy projects.

As Jillian Blanchard, Director of the Climate Change & Environmental Justice Program at L4GG, shared:

"This experience has been the highlight of my career, but more importantly, it highlights just how far we’ve come at L4GG in making a real impact on communities that need it most.  There is much more work to do, and we’re ready to take on this challenge."

Throughout these events, L4GG was recognized by federal leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates for our critical role in helping communities navigate the complexities of federal funding. Here's a recap of the key moments from our recent engagements.

White House Meetings: State Implementation Accelerator (9/16–9/18)

L4GG was proud to be one of three technical assistance providers selected to support the State Implementation Accelerator, where we provided guidance to multiple states, including Rhode Island, Washington, Michigan, and Arizona, on how to equitably implement billions of dollars in funding from the Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

At the White House, our team met with senior officials such as John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, and Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to the President and former U.S. Secretary of Labor. Both acknowledged L4GG’s leadership in ensuring that clean energy projects serve the needs of local communities.

Phoenix Convening on Direct Pay with the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (9/18–9/19)

Immediately after the White House meetings, our team flew to Phoenix to present at a convening focused on Direct Pay, a critical provision in the IRA, with our partners at the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center. The event brought together nonprofits and community leaders in the Southwest, eager to access federal funding for transformative projects.

One powerful story from this convening featured an 18-year-old advocate who successfully convinced his Arizona school board to build a solar energy project that will save the district $25 million over the next 15 years. This project, powered by IRA funding, highlights the potential of community-driven efforts to create real change.

Climate Week NYC: Emerging Development Strategies from Public Authorities (9/23)

At Climate Week NYC, we attended a panel on emerging strategies for using IRA funds to scale renewable energy projects. One of the standout discussions focused on Minnesota’s efforts to bring solar energy to half of the state’s schools, a groundbreaking initiative that will significantly reduce energy costs while creating jobs and improving air quality.

During this event, Paul Williams from the Center for Public Enterprise specifically recognized L4GG for our legal and technical expertise in helping under-resourced communities navigate clean energy funding. It was a powerful moment of recognition for our work at both the federal and community levels.

Climate Week NYC: US Climate Alliance (9/23)

L4GG was invited to join US Climate Alliance and Governors Huchul, Inslee, and Grisham (climate leaders in the country) to witness the announcing of the 1,000,000 apprenticeship program for USCA Gov's Network - this program will put 1M to work in good green jobs to make sure that communities can take advantage of the green transition - it's a logical next step to their work with L4GG on pushing Elective Pay, which includes apprenticeship requirements.

Climate Week NYC: Green Finance (9/24)

L4GG joined roundtable discussions with many different partners to identify positive use cases of projects being built for communities using IRA dollars, including a community-scale wind farm on Tribal lands near the Dakota Access Pipeline, which was only made possible by community organizers, impact investing, and the IRA.

Climate Week NYC: Investing in Our Future - The 10-Year Promise of the IRA (9/24)

This event brought together a powerful panel of experts to discuss the long-term potential of the Inflation Reduction Act to drive sustainable clean energy transitions over the next decade. Key speakers included John Podesta and Peter Colavito from Invest in Our Future, who emphasized the importance of state-level implementation to ensure that IRA funding creates lasting impact.

Climate Week NYC: Expert Hubs on Direct Pay (9/25)

Later in the week, L4GG led discussions at several Expert Hubs focused on Direct Pay, providing guidance to non-taxable entities like schools and local governments on how to navigate the complexities of clean energy funding. Our team engaged with other experts and community leaders to map out the resources and support available for implementing clean energy projects.

Climate Week NYC: Protect the Dollars (9/26)

 L4GG met with critical partners in this space to discuss the best strategies for ensuring that a hostile Administration does not dismantle or clawback the historic federal funding approved under BIL, IRA, and many other bills.  We learned that once again, lawyers are critical in this space.

---

Why This Matters

At L4GG, we believe that everyone deserves access to clean energy and climate resilience. We are seeing in real time in rural North Carolina what happens when communities do not have green and resilient infrastructure. But for many under-resourced communities, accessing the federal funds available for these projects is a daunting and complex process. That’s where L4GG comes in—we provide the legal expertise necessary to help communities navigate this process and unlock the funding that can transform their futures.

We are honored to have been recognized at the White House, at Climate Week, and by community leaders across the country for our work in this space. But more importantly, we’re beyond thrilled to see the impact of our work in action. But our work is just beginning. The need is great, and we’re committed to continuing to bridge the gap between federal funding and community impact.

L4GG Celebrates Rhea Ricard as Volunteer of the Month

At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are honored to collaborate with dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in need. This month, we are thrilled to recognize Rhea Ricard for her outstanding contributions to L4GG’s Lawyers for Racial Justice and Ukraine TPS programs, and her tireless commitment to helping vulnerable individuals and families.

A Commitment to Volunteering

Rhea’s journey with L4GG began when she sought out opportunities to make a difference in her community. She was motivated by a desire to support people facing challenging circumstances and to help ensure that they had access to the resources and assistance they needed.

"I wanted to get involved with something that could have a positive impact on people’s lives. That’s what drew me to volunteer with L4GG," Rhea explained.

Since joining L4GG, Rhea has contributed to several projects, from researching state laws creating systemic racial disparities to providing critical support for those navigating complex systems. Her attention to detail and ability to empathize with those she helps have been key to her success as a volunteer.

Helping Those in Need

Rhea’s work as a volunteer involves helping individuals who may not have access to legal assistance and ensuring they understand the processes they are going through. She shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering with L4GG is knowing that her efforts make a difference. Rhea’s father has been preaching this his entire life to her.

"My father, who’s no longer with us, has influenced me a lot in terms of what I’ve focused on and how important it is to help other people." Rhea said.

Why Rhea’s Work Matters

Via her pro bono work with L4GG, Rhea has been able to support people who would otherwise face significant challenges. Whether assisting with policy research or guiding individuals through complicated procedures, Rhea’s contributions help ensure that people receive the help they need. One major success story was when her client from Ukraine was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), allowing her client to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.

Reflecting on her experience as a volunteer, Rhea emphasized the importance of lending a hand where it’s needed:

"It’s really about making sure people aren’t left in tough situations on their own. Volunteering has shown me how much of a difference we can make together."

Join Us in Celebrating Rhea’s Impact

This month, we celebrate Rhea Ricard’s dedication to pro bono work and her outstanding contributions as a volunteer with L4GG. Her compassion, diligence, and commitment to helping vulnerable communities are a testament to the power of giving back.

Thank you, Rhea, for your incredible work and for making such a positive impact through your volunteer efforts.

If you’re inspired by Rhea’s story and would like to get involved, we encourage you to explore L4GG’s current volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!

If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!

A Georgia Mother Died After Being Denied Abortion Care—Here’s How We’re Fighting Back

In a devastating case,  Amber Nicole Thurman, a healthy, 28-year-old mother who passed away from preventable causes in Georgia as a direct result of Georgia’s abortion ban. The reproductive health procedure she needed had been declared a felony in her state, with few exceptions and up to ten years in prison as retribution for providers. Because of uncertainty around the law and severity of the punishment, doctors waited 20 hours to finally perform the operation. It was too late. 

Amber’s death is not an isolated incident. Since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, states with abortion bans like Georgia have seen maternal death rates triple. These laws, written with vague non-medical language, are not only unclear but also carry severe penalties for healthcare providers who attempt to follow them. As a result, doctors are left in limbo, fearful of legal repercussions, and patients are being denied the care they are legally entitled to—often with tragic results.

At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are committed to ensuring that this cycle of preventable tragedies ends.

Our Path Forward in Georgia—and Beyond

In response to these dangerous laws, our Reproductive Rights and Health Equity Program is working with healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and partner organizations in Georgia to develop Comprehensive Hospital Protocols. These protocols will give clear, legally sound guidance to reproductive care providers, allowing them to offer the best possible care while staying within the bounds of restrictive laws. While we continue to fight to overturn abortion bans nationwide, this critical work is a necessary step in minimizing harm and preventing further loss of life.

These hospital protocols will empower doctors and healthcare providers to make informed decisions, ensuring that no other patient suffers the same fate as Amber. The reality is that these abortion bans should not exist, but while they do, we must take every action possible to save lives and mitigate the damage caused by these laws.

The Time to Act Is Now

We cannot afford to wait as more lives are put at risk. The work we are beginning in Georgia is only the start—our goal is to expand these life-saving efforts to other states with similarly restrictive abortion laws. By providing hospitals and healthcare providers with clear legal guidance, we can ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it most.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Your donation to L4GG will allow us to continue this life-saving work in Georgia and beyond.

• Learn More: Read about our model hospital protocols, our 50-state Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Rights, and our fight for equitable healthcare access.

At L4GG, we believe that no one should lose their life due to fear or uncertainty in the healthcare system. With your help, we can protect patients and ensure that healthcare providers have the tools and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

L4GG Celebrates Paul Lacourciere As Volunteer of the Month

Meet Paul: An Attorney with a Passion for Renewable Energy 

At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we have the privilege of working with incredible volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to making a tangible impact. This month, we are thrilled to honor Paul Lacourciere for his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. 

A Career in Renewable Energy 

Paul has always been passionate about renewable energy and sustainability issues. “For my whole legal career, I've worked in renewable energy and sustainability issues.”  Reflecting on the path that led him to where is today, he explains,

 “I went to law school specifically to be an energy attorney.” 

His work spans various innovative projects, from helping municipalities in various states explore renewable energy options to combining agriSolar with pumped hydro storage for low-cost electricity. Paul’s commitment to his work is recognized across L4GG and in the words of the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program, Jillian Blanchard: 

“Paul is always willing to assist with some really complicated clean energy projects. He never shies away from a challenge and has helped on projects across the country from Maine, to Illinois, to California. And importantly, he never fails to give us incredible advice!  When a hard project comes up, we like to say “Better Call Paul!”

Paul’s Connection to Nature

Paul scaling Mt. Shasta!

Outside of his legal work, Paul’s connection to nature is undeniable.  An avid mountaineer, rock climber, and backcountry camper, he finds joy in the great outdoors. His deep connection to the environment fuels his commitment to sustainability and drives his work in renewable energy. 

“I rock climb, fish, hike, camp, and do backcountry camping. I have a four-wheel-drive truck set up for adventures through the backwoods.”

Giving Back to the Community 

Volunteering with L4GG has provided Paul with unique opportunities to give back in ways that align with his expertise.  “There aren’t many volunteer opportunities for what I do,” Paul notes.  When the chance to contribute to meaningful, community-focused projects arose, he jumped at it. His work may not always result in civil victories, but the intellectual stimulation and community benefits are rewarding in their own right. 

“Getting presented with new and interesting problems is fun. There's also the fulfillment of an obligation to give back to the community. It's rewarding.”

For those considering volunteering with L4GG, Paul has a simple yet powerful advice: “If you think there aren’t volunteer opportunities, call anyway and see if there are. L4GG can find opportunities where you can give back.” His encouragement highlights the flexibility and impact volunteering can have, no matter your field of expertise. 

Why Paul’s Work Matters

As we celebrate Paul’s contributions, we’re reminded of the far-reaching impact that dedicated professionals can have on both local and global scales. Through this work with L4GG, Paul continues to support communities and drive forward the mission of sustainability, proving that legal expertise can indeed change the world. 

Thank you, Paul, for your unwavering commitment and for sharing your journey with us!

---

Join Us in Making a Difference 

As we celebrate Paul Lacourciere this month, we highlight his individual contributions and the broader impact of our volunteers who dedicate their expertise to significant causes. Paul's work with L4GG showcases the power of committed volunteers in effecting lasting change and building a better tomorrow.

1. If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!

2. If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!

L4GG Celebrates Anna Hori as Volunteer of the Month

We are excited to introduce Anna Hori as our July Volunteer of the Month! Anna’s exceptional dedication has been instrumental in supporting our mission.

Meet Anna, a Dedicated Volunteer Making a Difference

Anna began her journey with L4GG in late summer of 2022, during her first year at the University of Chicago Law School. Inspired by her interest in reproductive justice and the flexibility L4GG offered, she dedicated herself to volunteering with L4GG’s Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project, even as a busy law student. Anna shared: 

"I really appreciated L4GG's broad scope of work and their flexibility for volunteers, especially as a first-year law student.”

Her interest in reproductive justice and the opportunity to work asynchronously made volunteering with L4GG a perfect fit. Outside of her volunteer work and studies, Anna enjoys spending time with friends and family and values the balance that her volunteer work brings to life. 

Contributing to Meaningful Projects

One of Anna’s most significant projects involved monitoring news stories about reproductive health laws in Nebraska. Despite not knowing much about the state initially, she quickly became an expert, tracking the progression of state law and high-profile cases. Her work focused on the intersection of reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system, contributing to a deeper understanding of post-Dobbs America. 

“I also really loved that while the project was centered on reproductive justice, it incorporated a lot of different parts of the law. So a lot of my work was on the intersection between reproductive justice, privacy, and the criminal justice system.”

— Anna Hori

Anna’s efforts extended beyond individual tasks; she was part of a team that aimed to understand the broader implications of legal changes. Her work was not just an academic exercise, but a meaningful contribution to real-world issues. This research has been incorporated into the Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health and Reproductive Health Digest, two critical tools maintained by L4GG and powered by volunteers like Anna to provide front-line reproductive healthcare providers with clarity around the laws in 56 states and US territories.

Balancing Law School and Volunteering

Balancing the demands of law school with volunteering is no small feat, yet Anna managed to do so with grace. She found that volunteering provided a refreshing change from her academic workload as she noted:

"It was a nice way to break up the reading and writing in law school. The asynchronous nature of the work allowed me to contribute more during lighter weeks." - Anna Hori

Advice for Future Volunteers

We asked Anna what advice she would give to other volunteers, and she emphasized the importance of getting involved and finding work that aligns with both your interests and schedule. She also suggested building a community among volunteers to enhance the experience and support each other. 

"Volunteering was a meaningful part of my law school experience. I learned a lot in a different way than in the classroom.” - Anna Hori 

Looking Ahead

As Anna prepares to enter her final year of law school, she continues to reflect on her volunteer experience with gratitude. 

"The training and support I received from L4GG were invaluable. I felt confident and knew who to contact if I needed help.”

Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are excited to see where her legal career takes her.

Thank You, Anna!

Thank you, Anna, for your outstanding contributions to L4GG. Your passion, dedication, and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to have you as part of our team. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish.

---

As we celebrate Anna Hori this month, we highlight her individual contributions and the broader impact of our volunteers who dedicate their expertise to significant causes. Anna's work with L4GG showcases the power of committed volunteers in effecting lasting change and building a better tomorrow.

1. If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!

2. If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!

A Day in the Life of an L4GG Volunteer: Observing Asylum Education at Betances Clinic

Written by Isabella Hussar, Project Corazon Volunteer

Yesterday, before heading to New York to observe an asylum education session at Betances Clinic, I spent the morning at home in New Jersey reading up on immigration news from the past couple of months. I learned about S.B.4, the proposed policy in Texas granting any police officer the power to arrest people suspected of being non-US citizens, and Biden's new plan to restrict immigrants seeking asylum only from the southern border. Both policies have been accused of being classist and racially motivated. I also read that a growing number of Americans fear immigration and perceive it to be a negative contributor to American society. It prompted my curiosity as to why America is so anti-immigration. 

My morning of scrolling through news of doom and gloom was then followed by a train ride into New York City, where I met Estuardo, a former asylum seeker and now Client Services Manager for L4GG and Jessica, an attorney for L4GG, at a Greek restaurant in Chinatown called Kikis. We were a few blocks from Betances, a health clinic that predominantly serves the transgender community. 

We arrived at the clinic greeted by Spanish speaking volunteers. The interior was clean and calm. People silently waited in the lobby. Art and plants hung on the walls. We stopped briefly so Jessica could change out of her practical walking shoes into a pair of emerald green high heels. 

Down the hall, I entered a small beige room with fluorescent lighting. Half the room held a kitchen with a few people organizing trays of hot food, the other half an area full of people sitting in folding chairs that centered around a TV. Many of the women in the room wore full faces of makeup, had brightly dyed hair, or outfits you might see on Miami Beach.

This was a safe place for freedom of self expression.

I caught everyone’s attention when I entered the room. I stood in awe as I stared back at a room of humans who had faced such adversity and still made it here. This was a room full of transgender women, who’ve fled their homes in other countries out of fear for their safety, and made it to New York. 

When someone seeks asylum, they have left their homes and are in need of protection from persecution and serious human rights violations. Here, in lower Manhattan, these people were free to be themselves. There I was, having grown up just across the Hudson river, meeting a room full of people who endured things to be here I couldn’t even consider in my realm of possibility. 

After I gave an introduction of myself in the best Spanish I could muster on the spot, I sunk into the background — my job was only to observe. Whenever a new person walked through the door, the others in the room embraced them with love. The women here had formed a tightly knit community, one that made up a group of people who were smiling, laughing, and chatting. Before the presentation began, Estuardo read out a list of rules posted on the wall. He told everyone to silence their phones, not talk over the presentation, wait to ask questions at the end. Watching them reminded me of sitting in a high school classroom. 

When the presentation started, the hush of chatter came to a lull. The TV lit up with the words “Cinco Caminos Hacia El Asilo” which means “Five Steps To Take To Asylum.” 

Estuardo and Jessica spoke about the process of getting asylum and went over things to keep in mind for their cases. They explained how America has a separation of church and state and how the church cannot control government decisions. Priscilla, another attorney for L4GG who is overseeing my internship, tells me that many immigrants assume the laws in the U.S. will be similar to the laws in South America.

When the presentation ended, the woman stood around chatting and eating chicken, rice, and beans. Someone appeared with a birthday cake and presented it to a volunteer. A woman wearing an orange sundress and dangling earrings approached me with a smile. She wants to go to law school one day, she told me, and wondered if I knew of any good law schools in the city. 

During the presentation, Estuardo had explained how personal identity was important to winning a case. It felt as if these asylum seekers were all preparing to apply to colleges, and needed to create a resume that showcased them as a person. Later, Priscilla explained to me that individualism is important to winning a status of asylum because the laws in America are interpreted on a case-by-case basis. 

When I asked Priscilla why she thought so many Americans feared immigration, she told me people form opinions either out of love or hate. When you are standing in that clinic, surrounded by the people there, it is impossible to feel the latter.

L4GG's Statement on Trump v. United States Ruling

Following the Supreme Court's ruling today in Trump v. United States, Lawyers for Good Government’s Vice President of Engagement Sterling Howard released the following statement:

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court's conservative majority marks a deeply troubling moment in our nation's history. By granting unprecedented immunity to former President Trump, the Court has undermined a core principle of our Constitution: that no person is above the law. As Justice Sotomayor aptly noted, this ruling 'makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law.’

The Court's decision effectively shields Trump from accountability for his actions to subvert the democratic process, delaying justice and eroding public trust in our legal system. This ruling contradicts the values upon which our nation was founded and endangers the very fabric of our democracy.

As defenders of justice, we must respond to this alarming decision by reaffirming our commitment to the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their position, are held accountable for their actions. Our democracy depends on it.

We reject any agenda that threatens our democratic principles. The fight for equal justice under the law continues, and we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the rights and freedoms of all people.”

L4GG: SCOTUS Majority Puts Access to Emergency Abortions Back on Shelf, Leaves Federal Supremacy Questions Unanswered

SCOTUS' Inaction on Idaho Abortion Law Exposes Judicial Avoidance, Endangers Health Protections

Washington, D.C. - Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG),  the nation’s largest community of attorneys committed to human rights and equal justice, finds the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse course on accepting Idaho’s petition for relief in Moyle v. United States absolutely necessary to restore Idahoans’ access to emergency healthcare in the short term, but woefully insufficient to protect the rights of millions of Americans under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). We call on the Court to use its authority to vindicate the supremacy of federal law over state abortion bans that restrict access to emergency care. The Court’s dismissal of the case as improvidently granted leaves pregnant people facing emergencies and the doctors who treat them in a precarious legal limbo and fails to contend with the very real harm created by the Court’s prior decision to allow Idaho to fully enforce its ban over EMTALA’s clear mandate. 

The Court's ruling returns the issue to the lower courts, allowing emergency abortions to resume in the state, but failing to provide an answer to the critical questions raised in the litigation. Although the decision did not affirmatively greenlight Idaho’s backwards interpretation of EMTALA, it also did not confirm the reality that federally mandated emergency healthcare should not be held hostage by state-level restrictions.

““The Court majority’s decision to wish away the conflict between state and federal law presented by Idaho’s abortion ban is a deeply unethical avoidance of judicial responsibility. This procedural dodge leaves essential, long-established health protections in limbo, which is far from a victory for those advocating for reproductive rights and maternal health equity.””

— Khadijah Silver (JD/MPH), L4GG’s Supervising Attorney for Civil Rights

““While the Court’s decision today does not take the extraordinary step of expressly allowing a draconian state abortion ban to override clear federal law, it is far from the vindication of the rights of pregnant people that is needed to safeguard access to critical life-saving emergency abortion care. The Court’s refusal to use its authority to reject states’ attempts to curtail basic liberties is not a victory but an abdication of judicial responsibility.””

— Alyssa Morrison, L4GG’s Staff Attorney for Reproductive Justice

Legal Basis and Broader Implications:

Today’s decision is neither for nor against Idaho. Instead, the Court removed the stay of the District Court’s opinion that it previously put into place and decided it should never have heard the case in the first place. The removal of this stay will allow emergency abortions to resume in the state, but it cannot remedy the very real harm created by its imposition in the first place. The Court’s decision to dismiss the case back to the lower courts also does not answer the critically important question of whether a state can turn well-established principles of preemption on their head and impose its own draconian abortion restrictions over the federally mandated provision of emergency healthcare. As long as this question remains unresolved, the rights of pregnant people continue to hang in the balance.

Response and Action Plan:

Shortly after the end of the court session, Lawyers for Good Government will host a “SCOTUS Wrapped” event to discuss the implications of the Court’s actions in Moyle and other crucial cases - we invite you to subscribe to get updates and stay informed.

We will also continue to work with healthcare providers and legal advocates to protect patients' rights nationwide. One way we support our partners is through our Policy Resource Hub for Reproductive Health, a vital, constantly updated tool for patients and providers to find legal guidance, up-to-date policy analysis, and advocacy tools aimed at navigating the evolving landscape of reproductive health laws. The Hub serves as a central platform for mobilizing grassroots support and equipping stakeholders with the information necessary to advocate for comprehensive reproductive healthcare access.