In recent decades, the environment has become a focus of intense national interest. Increasingly, individuals, organizations, and governmental entities have turned to the courts for resolution of environmental debates. Litigants in the courts must, however, clear the initial hurdle of "standing" to have their cases heard. In this article, Chicago-based lawyer Marisa Martin explains the crucial role of standing in environmental litigation and looks at the ongoing debate in the courts over who should be able to sue to protect our environment. (Contains 4 resources and 1 note.)