That's the usual way. People stand up to the excesses of mountaintop removal mining when a mine would put the mountain in their hollow. People come forward to defend a river because they can no longer float there, or because their kids develop rashes from what's going into the river. Self-interest is a strong spur to action. Our system depends on such private AG's.
Most activists are self-starters.
Their motives, I know, are broader than self-interest. But I notice they're graying. So I'm pleased that the Student Environmental Network has been revived here in Elkins. SEN had been active in several West Virginia high schools in the mid-90's. The students worked on local issues and environmental education, and they organized a few statewide gatherings for planning, encouragement, and fun.