LAW 5221 - Energy and the Environment

Credit(s): 2
Virtually every human activity requires energy in one form or another. Indeed, abundant, affordable energy is essential to a standard of living that many people in developed nations take for granted and to which many people in undeveloped nations aspire. But traditional energy industries, and even renewable energy industries, produce impacts on the environment. Society has responded to the tension between the need for abundant, affordable energy and the important goals of environmental protection with a variety of laws and regulations. This course will identify some of the environmental impacts caused by the production and use of various forms of energy, examine environmental regulations associated with each, and explore policy issues inherent in balancing economic well-being and environmental protection. Note: Prior credit in Introduction to Environmental Law (5411) is recommended but not required.