Environmental & Energy Law Courses

Foundational courses survey the range of statutes, regulatory practices, and judicial decisions in the environment and energy field. Advanced courses and seminars provide in-depth coverage of several environmental statutes as well as a number of environment and energy practice areas. JD candidates may earn Recognition of a JD Concentration in Environmental Law by successfully completing 14 credits of coursework in Environmental Law, including three required courses—Environmental Law (6430), Natural Resources Law (6440) and Administrative Law (6400)—two credits of experiential learning, and completion of a writing requirement based on an environmental law topic.

JD candidates may earn Recognition of a JD Concentration in Energy Law by successfully completing 14 credits of coursework in Energy Law and Environmental Law, which must include Energy Law and Regulation (6438) and Administrative Law (6400). In addition, students are required to take at least four credits from among the following courses: Energy Law Seminar (6441)**, Oil and Gas Law (6443), Atomic Energy Law (6459); and Air Pollution Control (6432). Finally, students must have two credits of experiential learning and complete a writing requirement based on an energy law topic.

Courses

Foundation Courses

  • Administrative Law (6400)
  • Environmental Law (6430)
  • Energy Law and Regulation (6438)
  • Natural Resources Law (6440)

Advanced Courses

  • Regulated Industries (6406)
  • Animal Law Seminar (6424)
  • Wildlife and Ecosystems Law (6431)
  • Air Pollution Control (6432)
  • Water Pollution Control (6434)
  • Trade and Sustainable Development (6435)
  • Coastal, Navigation, and Wetlands Resource Law (6437)
  • Energy Law Seminar (6441)**
  • Control of Solid and Hazardous Wastes (RCRA & CERCLA) (6442)
  • Oil and Gas Law (6443)
  • Regulation of Toxic Substances Risk (6444)
  • Environmental and Toxic Torts (6449)
  • Federal Facilities Environmental Law Issues (6450)
  • Environmental Issues in Business Transactions (6452)
  • International Environmental Law (6454)
  • International Climate Change Law (6455)
  • Environmental Negotiations (6458)
  • Atomic Energy Law (6459)
  • Environment and Energy Policy Practicum (6460)
  • Selected Topics in Environmental Law (6461)
  • Environmental Crimes (6464)
  • Environmental Crimes Project (6465)
  • Environmental Law Seminar (6466)**
  • Environmental Legislation Project (6467)
  • Graduate Environmental Placement (6468)
  • Environmental Lawyering (6469)
  • International Trade Law (6526)
  • Advanced International Trade Law (6527)
  • International Project Finance (6545)
  • Human Rights and Environmental Protection (6571)
  • Environmental Law Clinic (6627)

**For 2019–2020, Environmental Law Seminars may include Food and Agriculture. Energy Law Seminars may include The U.S. Electric System & Sustainability, Energy Commodities Trading, and Electric & Natural Gas Regulation.

For students interested in the practice of energy law, the GW Law-University of Groningen Energy Law Program provides a unique opportunity for GW students to conduct joint research projects with students from the University of Groningen that includes travel to the University of Groningen. 


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS