Professor Gabriel Pacyniak selected as the new Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program
July 24, 2024
Professor Gabriel Pacyniak has been named the new Director of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law (NREL) Program at the School of Law. Professor Pacyniak assumed the role following the retirement of Professor Reed Benson, whose leadership led the NREL Program toward national recognition as Number 25 in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Environmental Law Programs” in May 2024.
The NREL Program provides an extensive curriculum designed to prepare future leaders to address the challenges of natural resource management and environmental stewardship. Students learn about climate change and energy policy, the complexities of federal land management, regulatory frameworks of oil and gas industries, management of tribal natural and cultural resources, and the intricacies of water law and environmental justice.
Students participating in the NREL Program can also gain hands-on experience by working in the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Clinic or serving on the Natural Resources Journal.
“It’s been a thrill to be part of UNM’s Natural Resources and Environmental Program, which expanded and rose in the rankings under Professor Reed Benson’s leadership,” said Professor Pacyniak. “I’m looking forward to working with my fantastic colleagues to continue our strong tradition of offering practical, community-engaged training to our talented students.”
The NREL Program also welcomes Professor Warigia Bowman who will be joining the School of Law from from the University of Tulsa College of Law. “I’m especially excited to welcome Professor Warigia Bowman, a New Mexico native who is an expert in water, energy, and natural resources law,” said Professor Pacyniak.
Professor Pacyniak joined the School of Law in August 2017, bringing with him a wealth of academic and scholarly experience with a focus on equity in the law surrounding climate change and energy issues. Prior to joining UNM, Professor Pacyniak co-taught an annual climate change law and policy practicum course at his alma mater, Georgetown University Law Center, while working as a program manager at Georgetown’s Climate Center.
Professor Pacyniak’s recent work has focused on safeguarding equal access to affordable energy during the global push for the transition to clean energy and ensuring that mechanisms are identified to address equity in administrative rules associated with climate change. Professor Pacyniak’s rich background in energy and climate change has greatly benefited students in the NREL Program working with him to provide legal and policy support in the creation of the New Mexico Community Energy Efficiency Development Block Grant Act.
Dean Camille Carey stated, “Professor Pacyniak’s excellent teaching, advocacy, and research in natural resources and environmental law as well as his leadership skills, commitment, and humanity will make him an excellent next Director of the program. I have total confidence that Professor Pacyniak will ensure the continued success of our NREL Program and that it will flourish under his leadership.”
