This course provides a comprehensive introduction to essential legal concepts related to environmental issues and federal laws aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment. Students will examine regulations governing discharges and emissions of pollutants into the air, water, and soil, as well as actions contributing to climate change, the management of natural resources, and the protection of at-risk animal and plant species. Key federal environmental statutes are covered in detail, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA, Endangered Species Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The course will also provide an overview of zoning and local land use laws in the context of environmental protection. Students will analyze the interplay between statutes, regulations, judicial interpretations, and the practices of the administrative agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws. The course includes discussions on the purposes and applications of environmental assessments in business transactions, attorney related privileges, unauthorized practice of law, ethical dilemmas encountered by engineers and scientists, and the distinctions between legal and scientific professionals.
Course Offerings
There are no sections currently offered, however you can view a sample syllabus from a prior section of this course.