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Technology, Energy and the Environment
Prof. Steven Ferrey,
2 credits day; 2 credits evening. This particular course does not employ Socratic or lecture
format, but instead will work on several real-world energy and related environmental problems.
Energy is the last of the regulated industries, so aspects of this regulation and environmental
impacts is the focus through student participation resolving real-world energy questions. This
course will focus on electric power regulation and supply for the first 2/3 of the course, including
conflicts between state and federal authority. During the final 1/3 of the course, students will
represent different groups of clients in applying local and state environmental laws (not the
national environmental laws typically the subject of an Environmental Law course) to work
through a confrontation involving an effort to site or expel a renewable energy project in
Massachusetts. It qualifies as a ―skills‖ course. Participation in these problem-solving class
problems is at least 35% of the grade, as is a final paper in lieu of an exam. Students also present
their draft paper orally during the last two weeks of the semester. If participating in class
discussion and simulated problem-solving in class is not your preferred learned method, this
format is not recommended for you. This course is offered no more than once per academic year,
and class size is limited to no more than 20 students, so that participation and skills development
is facilitated.
Energy has been the motive technological force driving civilization from the early invention of
the wheel which allowing use of animal power, to pre-industrial use of wind and water power.
Coal and the steam engine created the industrial era, petroleum is the foundation of 20th century
industrialized society, and electricity is the often unappreciated driver of our information society,
computers, air conditioning, and even making possible high-rise city design. Advances turned on
energy. The societal "cost" of our patterns of energy use is significant pollution, congestion, and
global warming. Energy and its production, sale and use are very significantly regulated at the
federal, state and local levels. Twenty states, including almost every major state in the U.S. and
all Northeastern states, are in the process of deregulating and making competitive the once
monopolistic utility/energy business. This course will use real-world simulation/problem solving
modules with significant class participation to examine how, by whom and at what levels energy,
and the technology it creates, are regulated and the legal implications of deregulation. The class
will examine the issues listed above, the recent collapse of the California energy market, as well
as international experience, based on the professor's work with the United Nations on renewable
energy projects. After establishing this foundation, the class will engage in a month-long
simulation of a local Massachusetts community utilizing local legal tools to attempt to stop a
power project from locating within its borders. Students will complete a paper on an energy,
environmental, or related socio-legal topic of their choosing, in lieu of an exam. Will be offered
2012-2013.
Enrollment is limited: 20
Elective Course
Meets Base Menu Requirement
Meets Skills Menu Requirement
May Fulfill Legal Writing Requirement
Final Paper Required