LAW-2160 Environmental Law Seminar
Prof. Steven Ferrey,
3 credits day; 3 credits evening.
Students using this course to fulfill the experiential learning requirement may not also use this
same course to meet the legal writing requirement.
Examines the legal and policy issues surrounding the rapidly developing areas of environmental
law-air and water pollution, energy development/conservation-with a special emphasis on the
law of toxic and hazardous waste control. This course refines and applies a combination of skills
acquired in the first-year curriculum. Through class discussions and case analysis, the course
prepares students to practice as corporate counsel, prosecuting attorneys, public interest attorneys
or government counsel in this burgeoning area of the law.
Faculty comments
: Professor Ferrey: Some Environmental Law courses survey a wide range of
environmental topics. Instead, this section of the course is (1) going to treat in detail a sub-set of
environmental topics and issues and (2) is going to go up the learning curve quickly, by using the
“Examples and Explanations” book to elevate the discussion. Topics planned to be covered are
the Clean Air Act, the Superfund, RCRA, NEPA, climate change, the Federal Power Act, the
Administrative Procedure Act, plus the environmental application of various Constitutional law
principles, standing and ripeness to bring suit. This particular section does not use a Socratic or
lecture format, but instead during most weeks will have students address a total of a half dozen
real-world environmental problems, to try to apply the material learned to different real-world
situations. It qualifies as a “skills” course. Participation 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 on a regular basis is not your preferred
learned method, this format is not recommended for you and you might instead choose a
different section of this course. Class is limited to no more than 20 students, so that participation
and skills development is facilitated. Final grade is determined by in-class participation and a
paper.
Enrollment is limited: 20
Elective Course
Meets Base Menu Requirement
Meets Skills Menu Requirement
May Fulfill Legal Writing Requirement
Meets Experiential Learning Requirement
Final Paper Required