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Environmental & Energy Law

Established at the beginning of the modern environmental law era, the George Washington University Law School's Environmental and Energy Law Program has been at the forefront of education in the field since 1970. Over the past decade, the program has been expanded to increase our focus on the global and social justice dimensions of environmental and energy law , adding new classes, an environmental justice division clinic, the Sustainable Energy Initiative, and the LLM Double-Degree Program in Energy & Climate Law and Energy & Environmental Law with the University of Groningen. Today, the program is expanding significantly to provide the next generation of environmental and energy lawyers with the tools they need to tackle the local, national, and international challenges facing the planet and its inhabitants, including climate change, fisheries depletion, air pollution, water scarcity, and developing new sources of energy.

GW Law is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, where environmental and energy law policy is debated and made. The law school’s location provides students with unique opportunities to learn environmental and energy law from nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field and to work as interns with some of the most influential government and nonprofit environmental organizations in the world.

To learn more about recent developments in our program, read our feature story in the Summer 2025 issue of GW Law Magazine.

Our Newsletter

 

Academics

JD Degree

Prepare for leadership in environmental, energy law practice, and declare your concentration.

LLM Degree

Advance legal expertise in sustainability, energy policy, and environmental justice — with the option to pursue an LLM double-degree.

MSL Degree

Empower professionals with legal tools for environmental and energy leadership.

Joint Degrees

Integrate legal studies with science, policy, business, and innovation disciplines.

  

Program News

Sara Bronin

GW Law Professor Sara Bronin Wins Heinz Award

September 16, 2025

The Heinz Awards recognized Professor Bronin for her work to demystify zoning and land use laws.

Wind turbines on a farm field during sunrise.

GW Law Launches Distinguished Scholar Program to Tackle Global Energy and Sustainability Challenges

September 9, 2025

GW Law is proud to announce the launch of its new Distinguished Scholar Program in Energy Law & Sustainability.

An exterior photo of the George Washington Law School building

GW Law Welcomes New Faculty

September 2, 2025

This year's cohort of new faculty includes renowned experts in environmental law, free speech and first amendment, and AI and technology law.

Environmental & Energy Law News

 

 

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Dean Abate and Professor Glicksman deliver lectures in Buenos Aires

The GW Point Source Blog

The GW Point Source blog features student, faculty & alumni achievements and insights on key environmental & energy law topics, careers, and community impact.

Explore Our Blog

 

Upcoming Events

The Environmental & Energy Law Program holds several events throughout the semester. Please check back for new events. 

 

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Student Opportunities

Ocean Equity Scholarship

GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law program has launched the nation’s first scholarship for LLM candidates pursuing ocean equity research.

Field Placement

Students gain real-world experience in environmental and energy law through GW Law's Field Placement Program.

 

Faculty & Staff Directory

Our Environmental and Energy Law faculty are leaders in climate policy, natural resources, and energy regulation. With top credentials and real-world experience in government, advocacy, and industry, they guide students through the legal frameworks shaping our planet’s future.   

Distinguished Scholars

The Distinguished Scholar Program in Energy Law and Sustainability brings leading experts to the university to conduct advanced research and contribute to scholarly works.   

 

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