Environmental Law Institute

Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an independent research and education center involved in developing environmental laws and policies at both national and international levels. The institute was founded in 1969 by the Public Law Education Institute and the Conservation Foundation to conduct and promote research on environmental law. In the ensuing years it has maintained a strong and effective presence in forums ranging from college courses to law conferences. For example, ELI has organized instructional courses at universities for both federal and non-governmental agencies. In addition, it has sponsored conferences in conjunction with such bodies as the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute, and the Smithsonian Institute.

Within the field of environmental law, ELI provides a range of educational programs and services. In 1991, for instance, the institute helped develop an environmental law course for practicing judges in the New England area. Through funding and endowments, the institute has since managed to expand this particular judicial education program into other regions. A similar program enables ELI to offer training courses to federal judges currently serving in district, circuit, and even bankruptcy courts.

ELI also offers various workshops to the general public. In New Jersey, the institute provided a course designed to guide citizens through the state's environmental laws and thus enable them to better develop pollution-prevention programs in their communities. Broader right-to-know guidance has since been provided—in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund —at the international level.

ELI's endeavors at the federal level include various interactions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two groups worked together to develop the National Wetlands Protection Hotline, which answers public inquiries on wetlands protection and regulation, and to assess the dangers of exposure to various pollutants.

Since its inception, ELI has evolved into a formidable force in the field of environmental law. In 1991, it drafted a statute to address the continuing problem of lead poisoning in children. The institute has also worked—in conjunction with federal and private groups, including scientists, bankers, and even realtors—to address health problems attributable to radon gas.

ELI has compiled and produced several publications. Among the leading ELI books are Law of Environmental Protection, a two-volume handbook (updated annually) on pollution control law, and Practical Guide to Environmental Management, a resource book on worker health and safety. In addition, ELI has worked with the EPA in producing Environmental Investments: The Cost of a Clean Environment. The institute's principal periodical is Environmental Law Reporter, which provides analysis and coverage of topics ranging from courtroom decisions to regulation developments. ELI also publishes Environmental Forum —a policy journal intended primarily for individuals in environmental law, policy, and management—and National Wetlands Newsletter, which reports on ensuing developments—legal, scientific, regulatory—related to wetlands management.

[Les Stone ]

RESOURCES

ORGANIZATIONS

Environmental Law Institute, 1616 P St., NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. USA 20036 (202) 939-3800, Fax: (202) 939-3868, Email: [email protected], <http://www.eli.org>