Case Background:
The "Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy, and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws." (www.cleanair.org). On January 12, 2001, the Council filed a complaint against Bradley L. Mallory, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and James M. Sief, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, alleging that they "failed to fully implement the state's enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program…fully implementing the emissions test pass/fail standards…for motor vehicles in the five country Philadelphia ozone nonattainment area" (Clean Air Council 3).

Ruling:
The defendants admitted that they were violating the Clean Air Act of 1970 by not fully implementing these emissions tests. Judge Jan E. Dubois of the US District court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that the defendants were liable for their non-actions, and that the court would schedule an evidentiary hearing at which the defendants would create a timeline for implementing the emissions tests to be in compliance with the Clean Air Act.

It is clear here that grassroots organizations have had mixed success in fighting for the protection of their communities. But it is important to note that they have taken the initiative to proceed with boldness and forthrightness in their campaigns. These grassroots groups are having ripple effects in the fight for environmental protection, inspiring other coalitions to follow in their footsteps and forcing companies to be held accountable for their actions, in principle and practice.