sustainability

University of Arkansas School of Law to Host Environmental Law Conference

The University of Arkansas Environmental Law Society will host the Region Six Conference on Environmental Law and Policy at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Robert A. Leflar Law Center on the University of Arkansas campus.  The free conference will feature guest speakers from the Sierra Club, the Gulf Restoration Network, the Environmental Defense Fund, University of Arkansas Center for Applied Sustainability and a variety of private practice and public interest environmental attorneys.  

Region Six encompasses Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and interested students and faculty from schools in these states are invited to attend.

"The conference will present the major environmental issues facing our region," said Joshua Bailey, NAELS Region Six representative and conference coordinator.  "Region Six is currently facing serious issues from coal fired power plants, deforestation and pollution from factory farms."

The National Association of Environmental Law Societies is encouraging law students across the country to create student-led conferences to focus on environmental issues specific to each of its ten regions.

 "As the home of the new Center for Applied Sustainability and the National Center for Agricultural Law, Arkansas is a leader in several areas of environmental law," said Steve Sheppard, University of Arkansas William E. Enfield Professor of Law.  The conference will be a valuable opportunity for students not only to learn about these specialized areas but also to develop a stronger sense of regional cooperation in managing environmental problems."

During the conference, participants will be invited to listen to panelists speak on the major environmental issues facing their region and then interact with speakers in discussion sessions.  Participants will be able to explore the current policy and learn how to shape its future.  

"This conference will introduce students to the many difficulties, nuances and political issues involved in environmental policy-shaping, litigating environmental issues and working in the public interest sector," Bailey said.

The conference is also designed for those who are new to environmental law, Bailey said, and will make students aware of the region's major issues and job opportunities.  

Registration for the conference is free, but a reservation is required. Reservations can be made by e-mail at RegionSix@naels.org or jlbailey@uark.edu.   For more information, visit www.law.uark.edu/orgs/envirolaw/conference/Welcome.html or contact Bailey at (479) 426-2243.