In summer 2023, the NYSBA Environmental and Energy Law Section (EELS) awarded the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) fellowship to two law students, Joe Brau and Olivia N. Guarna. Summaries of their summer experiences are below. The EELS DEI Fellowship provides a stipend to law students spending their summer working on legal matters for an … Continued
This edition of DEC Dispatch highlights the recent series of New York State legislation enacted to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals contained in everyday consumer products to protect human health and the environment. It also identifies public outreach and regulatory efforts the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is taking to implement these laws. In … Continued
Throughout history, indigenous peoples’ human rights have been openly violated and continue to be violated and ignored to this day. This has created certain disparities that adversely impact their health and livelihoods. Notably, this is especially true in the context of climate change. According to Jay Williams, “climate change poses a catastrophic threat to indigenous … Continued
Prejudice Over Evidence As a law student passionate about advancing equity, the recent decisions in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina striking down affirmative action spark deep concern for the future of environmental advocacy and the broader legal field. Colleges have never shied away from using factors other than … Continued
This issue includes the essays that won the Professor William R. Ginsberg Memorial Essay Contest. The issue also includes a message from the section chair emphasizing the section’s mission to educate regarding environmental issues and to encourage engagement. The essay contest combines those two roles. It encourages law students to be involved, and the essays … Continued
Yvonne mentions in her chair’s message that she has chosen membership as her primary initiative during her term as EELS chair. She notes that EELS needs more government attorneys, more younger practitioners, and a more diverse membership. She describes an overarching goal of retaining and growing membership by delivering greater value. I hope the pages … Continued
I’d like to thank you all again for the privilege of leading our section this year. Hard to believe that three and a half years ago I was asked to join the section’s cabinet. I remember feeling honored and excited for the next four years. It had not been too long since the section added … Continued
I first met Walter Mugdan in 1978. I had just graduated from law school and was a junior associate at a (sadly now defunct) boutique environmental law firm then called Butzel & Kass (later known as Berle, Kass & Case). Walter was a junior lawyer for EPA, but already three years into what became a … Continued
On April 26, 2023, the Environmental and Energy Law Section of the New York State Bar Association held its Annual Legislative Forum. It was open to the public without charge and held virtually and in person, returning to the NYSBA headquarters for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The successful event was well received … Continued
This edition of the Law Student Corner highlights students and their work at four law schools: NYU Law, Pace Haub Law, Albany Law School, and Cardozo School of Law. If you know any schools or students who would like to participate, please email sblend@law.pace.edu. Student Highlight Emma Dietz (3L, NYU) is a lifelong environmental activist … Continued