Environmental Justice Law and Theory

This course examines the Environmental Justice movement and the disproportionate impacts borne by minority and low-income communities from the perspectives of Community, Law and Policy. Course materials focus on select community case studies, root causes of environmental injustice, and federal, state and local policy initiatives that address these issues. The course will review applicable environmental and civil rights legislation and assess their effectiveness in ameliorating disparate environmental health risks, as well as emerging policies and initiatives being advanced to fill the gaps in protection. Particular attention will be given to local environmental justice issues and the specific problems facing community residents and activists working to address these concerns.

In addition to the textbook and supplemental readings, the course will also include guest speakers from the community and local government, as well as a community-led tour to provide a first-hand experience of local environmental justice concerns. The class will be graded principally on the basis of an unscheduled (open) final exam. Students may also satisfy the “WIE” paper requirement.

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.