According to Alice Cooper, “School’s out for summer.” But that refrain is a bit outdated. For the past few summers, the Environmental Law Institute has been hosting the Summer School Series for those who see the leisurely summer schedule as a chance to get ahead.
The Environmental Law Institute is a pillar of our practice. Founded in 1969, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of environmental law. It is an internationally recognized non-partisan research, publishing and education center that works to strengthen environmental protection by improving law and governance worldwide. It describes itself as “a clearing house and a town hall, providing common ground for debate on important environmental issues.”
One of its flagship programs is the Summer School Series, complimentary seminars taught by experts in their fields. The sessions offer an introduction to the legal and policy foundations of environmental protection in the United States. Topics include the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). They also cover climate change law, energy law, and environmental justice.
We were honored to join the series this year in a seminar focused on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Jamie Pleune presented alongside Rebecca Hays Barho (Nossaman LLP) and Katie Renshaw (NOAA) in a discussion moderated by Mindy Meyers (Van Ness Feldman). It was a great discussion, with a lot of useful information about recent developments in the law. In a field that is evolving so quickly, these discussions can offer useful insight even for seasoned practitioners. In particular, Katie’s presentation (starting at 1:23) provided a succinct and informative summary of recent developments in the world of permitting.
For those who prefer webinars to summer blockbusters, there are six more seminars ahead, and past ones can be accessed on YouTube. Although the events are free, you must register in advance.
Jamie Pleune is an associate professor of law (research) and a member of the Law and Policy Group in the Wallace Stegner Center.