Program in Environmental & Natural Resources Law

Program in Environmental and Natural Resources Law

Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Law is a growing and dynamic area of legal practice that addresses complex issues of resource development and conservation, pollution control, energy and transportation policy, environmental justice and equity, and many other related subjects. Lawyers and other leaders trained in ENR subjects practice in the fields of environmental law, natural resources law, water law, energy law, and utility law – and they work in the private sector, government, and public interest organizations. ENR courses are also relevant to those whose future work concerns property law, real estate development or transactions, corporate acquisitions, land use, energy policy or regulation, urban planning, transportation, agriculture, public health, and/or occupational safety, as well as those interested more generally in public policy, public interest advocacy, or government at the state, local, national, or international level.

At the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, the Environmental and Natural Resources Law curriculum and extra-curricular activities are an important and growing part of our educational mission. The combination of our ENR faculty's research and ENR course offerings is among the Midwest and Great Plains states. Students from the region, or who wish to work and practice in the region, may choose IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law to take advantage of studying environmental and natural resources law through a program that has an national and international perspective, and engages with national, and international networks, while retaining a strong regional core.

Key features of the ENR Program include:

Faculty - Prominent Legal Scholars whose research, service, and teaching centers on Environmental and Natural Resources Law: Professors Eric Dannenmaier and Carlton Waterhouse. Other senior faculty members work in related areas such as Toxic Torts, Land Use, Real Estate Development, and Animal Law, including Andy Klein, Tom Wilson, and Judith Anspach. Adjunct faculty members who practice environmental and natural resources law teach courses in their areas of expertise, including Vicki Wright, Michael Mullett, Steve Kozey, and Matt Klein.
Environmental Curriculum - This program offers over 30 credits in Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, and closely-related subjects. A complete course listing is here.
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Graduate Certificate - Serves as a gateway for students wishing to work in environmental or natural resources law and related fields.
Active Student Body - with a strong interest in Environmental and Natural Resources Law
Engaged Alumni - practicing in the environmental field
Environmental Law and Policy Forum - furthers research and public dialogue on key environmental and natural resource issues and provides a forum for leaders to study and debate legislative and regulatory initiatives.
Annual Spring Environmental Law Symposium - which convenes environmental policymakers and experts to discuss issues of importance to the state and region
Externship opportunities - for students with environmental organizations and Advanced Research opportunities with faculty