This class addresses the major statutory schemes that regulate pollution in the United States, including the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and NEPA. We will examine the underlying environmental problems and the laws that address them. The text is a policy oriented text and we will review current debates. Global warming and the development of U.S. case and statutory law will be included.
If you wish to use the class for the writing requirement you are welcome to do so. Please let me know via email, and I will work with you on making sure that the class works for that purpose for you. For other students, there will be a take home exam.
My research and teaching is primarily in climate and water related areas. I write about various aspects of water policy, as well as environmental issues. I have been active in these areas for about twenty years, as counsel for New Mexico environmental groups, Secretary of the state's Environmental Improvement Division, head of Citizens for a Better Environment (California), and in continuing citizen and policy organizations. NGO board memberships have included 1000 Friends of New Mexico, the Forest Trust, Earth Island Institute, Conservation Voters of New Mexico and many others. State and federal activities have included the Environmental Safety and Health Division and Review Commission of LANL, the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Research Council, the Western Water Policy Review Advisory Commission and the Water Trust Board.