Environmental Protection Law

This course provides an examination of the fundamental laws which protect our environment and health. Students will analyze the purpose, context, implementation, and implications of the most important laws, regulations, policies, and court cases that affect the environment, human health, and our economy. Coverage includes: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), related toxics laws, and species and habitat protection statutes. It provides an examination of the legal system and the roles of Congress, the President, executive agencies, states, and courts in shaping and implementing environmental laws. The course also asks students to apply this knowledge to current events in environmental policy and litigation.