USD School of Law Environmental Law Society

Earth Week Activities

2008-04-14T17:37:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

Of course we understand that you will be in the midst of finals preparation during these events; nonetheless, we wanted you know know about what USD is doing for Earth Week 2008. So if you get a free minute or just need a break, come show your School of Law support by showing up to one of these events! Here are the details:
The USD community celebrates sustainability April 14-24 with "Planting the Seeds of Change." A collaboration of student organizations and university departments, events are organized around Earth Day.

Earth Fair 2008 in Balboa Park April 20, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. : USD is sponsoring the Earth Fair at Balboa Park
. Visit the touch tank at the Marine Science and Environmental Studies'
booth. Trams will run, on the hour, from the UC to Balboa Park.

Farmer's Market and Fair Trade Booths April
22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Bring a shopping bag to the UC and stock up on
produce from local growers; vendors supporting fair trade practices
will also be on hand with their products.

Dumpster "Dump and Sort" April
22: Don't be surprised when you see a pile of garbage on the lawn in
front of Maher Hall on Earth Day. Students will separate what we've
thrown in the garbage to demonstrate how much more of our garbage can be recycled so it doesn't go into the landfill.

USD's Green Living Expo April 24, 11 a.m.-2
p.m.: This UC event will educate us about changes we can make in how we get to work to the plants we grow in our backyards to lessen our impact on the environment.

E-mail us to receive information about all of the events taking place as part of Planting the Seeds of Change.

Beach Cleanup -- Saturday March 22

2008-03-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

The USD Surf Law Society invited us to a Beach Cleanup this Saturday, March 22 at 10:00am. If you're back from Spring Break, it would be great if you could make it. We are meeting on the North Side of PB Pier.

USD Embraces the Sustainability Issue!

2008-03-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

Follow this link for more info: http://www.sandiego.edu/gogreen/

And don't forget to sign up for your free membership to the Association of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. You'll find tons of resources on possible projects for sustainability on campus.

Instructions:

From AASHE home page click on “member login” or follow this link http://www.aashe.org/members/memberlogin.php Click “create new account.” Use your campus email address as your user name. You will receive a password in the inbox of the email account you used for the user name. Go back to the login page, enter your email in the user name box and type or paste the password that was emailed to you in the password box. That should give you access to all of our locked resources. All faculty, staff and students on campus can use their own email to create login credentials for themselves.

Stay Green San Diego,
Thomas

Sunrise Powerlink Hearings

2008-02-26T19:02:00.000-08:00

Last year, the Environmental Law Society got involved with the controversy concerning the Sunrise Power Link. On Tuesday, the California Public Utilities Commission heard public comment on the issue. A spokesman for The Sierra Club was on KPBS radio this morning speaking on the issue. The podcast and transcript are posted on the KPBS website.

A spokesman for Sempra Energy will be on tomorrow.

Connect with USD Business School's Net Impact Chapter

2008-02-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

Network with a real pro in green business and energy policy! Come join our discussion on Energy Policy & Greenhouse Gases.

Please join us for an insightful discussion with Scott Anders, Director of the Energy Policy Initiatives Center at the University of San Diego School Of Law. Come learn about various issues regarding energy policy as well as California's policy to reduce greenhouse gases.Snacks and refreshments will be provided thanks to GBSA.

This event is co-sponsored by GBSA & BLASR Net Impact (Business Leaders Advancing Social Responsibility)

Wednesday, February 27th
5:30PM- 7:00PM
IPJ Conference Room G

Mr. Anders has authored or co-authored a number of papers and reports related to energy policy. Most recently he was a lead author on the report entitled, Potential for Renewable Energy in the San Diego Region. Mr. Anders also contributed to the San Diego Regional Energy Infrastructure Study, a technical and policy survey of the regional energy market in San Diego, and Energy 2030: The San Diego Regional Energy Strategy, which serves as the region's roadmap for energy planning.

Prior to joining the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), Mr. Anders was director for policy and planning at the San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO). In this capacity he managed regulatory and legislative issue research and analysis, directed communications with regulatory agencies, including writing position papers and comments before California's regulatory agencies, directed technical and policy support for the SANDAG's Energy Working Group, and directed solar energy activities, including technical and policy research. Prior to joining SDREO in 1999, Mr. Anders was a policy researcher for the Washington D.C. think tank Center for a Sustainable Economy, now part of Redefining Progress, where he researched market-based mechanisms as a policy tool for the energy sector. Mr. Anders was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa. Scott Anders holds a B.A. in international politics from Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA) and an M.A. in public policy, with a concentration in environmental policy, from the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy.

Be More Green

2008-02-15T14:23:00.001-08:00

I'm looking to add some resources to this blog on ways individuals can be more green. Right now, I'm envisioning a box on the right-hand side of the page with links to websites about recycling and things like that. If you know of any good resources, shoot me an email or leave them in the comments. Thanks!

The Sustainability Task Force is up

2008-01-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Sustainability Task Force is starting 2008 with three events to launch our serious commitment to the environment. The details are below.

Focus the Nation. USD is one of more than 1,500 universities participating in activities related to climate change and sustainability.

The Annual All Faith Service. The service on February 7, 2008, is dedicated to taking care of God's creation.

Sustainability Newsletter. This communication vehicle will let you know about all environmental efforts on campus. Volume I of the Sustainability Newsletter is available at www.sandiego.edu/gogreen.

The Sustainability Task Force plans to keep you updated twice every semester. We encourage you to get involved early in 2008 and to maintain your energy and enthusiasm for our efforts to Go Green throughout the year. We will do our best to keep the campus informed about our efforts. We want to thank everyone who already has demonstrated the right spirit.

Support the Creation of an Environmental Law Journal

2007-11-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

The SBA is conducting an informal survey of student interest in additional writing opportunities. If you haven't already, please visit http://www.usdsba.org/ and vote for the type of Journal you would like to see at USD.

Ralph Nader Film

2007-10-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Law and Social Justice Film Series
Hosted by Professor Orly Lobel, USD School of Law Free and Open to the USD Community and Public
*** PIZZA, SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE SERVED***

An Unreasonable Man - Ralph Nader: How Do you Define a Legacy?

Introductory Remarks:
Professor Bob Felmeth, Price Professor of Public Interest Law & an Original "Nader's Raider".

November 6, Tuesday; 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Warren Hall 3D, USD School of Law

In 1966, General Motors, the most powerful corporation in the world, sent private investigators to dig up dirt on an obscure thirty-two year old public interest lawyer named Ralph Nader, who had written a book critical of one of their cars, the Corvair. The scandal that ensued after the smear campaign was revealed launched Ralph Nader into national prominence and established him as one of the most admired Americans and the leader of the modern Consumer Movement. Over the next thirty years and without ever holding public office, Nader built a legislative record that is the rival of any contemporary president. Many things we take for granted including seat belts, airbags, product labeling, no nukes, even the free ticket you get after being bumped from an overbooked flight are largely due to the efforts of Ralph Nader and his citizen groups. Yet today, when most people hear the name "Ralph Nader," they think of the man who gave the country George W. Bush. After being so right for so many years, how did he seem to go so wrong?

Climate Change Lecture Series

2007-10-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) and the Environmental Law Society at the University of San Diego School of Law Present the 2007 Climate Change Lecture Series

San Diego, Calif., October 17, 2007 - The Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), a nonprofit research center at the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law, today announced the speakers for the 2007 Climate Change Lecture Series.

"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st Century," says Scott Anders, director of EPIC. "As we transition from debating the science to seeking solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many legal and policy questions arise. The purpose of the lecture series is to begin to explore some of these issues and to further this important dialogue."

On Thursday, November 1, 2007, Ken Alex, supervising deputy attorney general for the State of California, will discuss the California attorney general's efforts to address global warming through legal action, including the opportunities and limitations posed by the legal approach. For more information about Ken Alex and the lecture series, go to the event Web page.

On Thursday, November 8, 2007, California Energy Commissioner John L. Geesman will discuss the energy policy challenges that California will face in implementing Assembly Bill 32, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. For more information about Commissioner John L. Geesman and the lecture series, go to the event Web page.

Both lectures begin at 4:30 p.m. and are presented in the School of Leadership & Education Sciences (SOLES) Auditorium on the University of San Diego campus. The campus is located at 5998 Alcalá Park, off Linda Vista Road.

The lectures are free and open to the public, but reservations are required. RSVP at (619) 260-6848 or usdlawevent@sandiego.edu
by Monday, October 29, 2007.

WEBCAST
A live Webcast of each lecture will be available online the day of the event. Go to www.law.sandiego.edu and click on "Live Webcast."

MCLE
The University of San Diego School of Law is a State Bar of California approved MCLE provider and certifies that each of these activities are approved for one hour of general credit.

The Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC) at the
University of San Diego School of Law
EPIC is an academic and research center of the University of San Diego School of Law that studies how energy policy issues affect the San Diego County region and California. EPIC integrates research and analysis, law school study and public education, and provides legal and policy expertise and information about efficient and environmentally responsible solutions to our future energy needs.

Media Contacts:
Patrick Riedling, USD School of Law, (619) 260-4589
Ashley Wood, USD School of Law, (619) 260-4097

Essay Contest

2007-10-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

The Public Justice Foundation is sponsoring an essay contest on Global Warming with a $5,000 first prize. More information is available on their website.

Al Gore Wins the Nobel Prize

2007-10-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

Late last week, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Price to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore for "their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change." The Environmental Law Society extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Gore and thanks him for his lifetime of service to environmental causes.

This award marks an exciting and dynamic time in the field of environmental law. More than ever, there are opportunities for the USD Environmental Law Society and you as students and future lawyers to take a leadership position on campus, in the San Diego community, and around the world. The USD Environmental Law Society will to continue to work with local and national environmental law attorneys, legal scholars, government agencies, and NGOs to keep the University of San Diego on the forefront of environmental law scholarship.

Please stay tuned to this blog to keep up to date with events on campus. Better yet, become more active in the club. Contact Thomas or Daniel with ways to get involved.

Daniel Lowe -- ELS Secretary & Webmaster

Sustainability Committment Proclamation Passed!

2007-10-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Thomas Del Monte and Forrest Merithew for their hard work in passing this resolution.

Student Bar Association

University of San Diego School of Law

Resolution E

Sustainability Commitment Proclamation

Whereas, climate change from greenhouse gas emissions endangers our environment, health, and economies, and the struggle against the effects of climate change will shape the 21st century; and

Whereas, addressing the climate-change challenge by promoting practices which are sustainable and promote a healthy environment, by minimizing our carbon footprint as quickly as economically feasible, and by integrating legal training that promotes sustainability into our curriculum will better serve the students and meet our social mandate to help create a thriving, ethical, and civil society; therefore

Be it resolved, that the Student Bar Association of the University of San Diego School of Law proclaims that we, as an institution of higher education, must exercise leadership, both on campus and throughout our community; by modeling sustainability practices in our daily activities, by influencing future campus planning to reduce global warming emissions, and by providing an academic framework designed to equip our university and her graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders in the formation and interpretation of environmental law and policy.

Sponsored by the University of San Diego School of Law’s Environmental Law Society, Vice President of ELS Forrest Merithew, and SBA Councilor Thomas R. Del Monte.

Help the San Diego Coastkeeper at the Hotel Del!

2007-10-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

The USD Environmental Law Society is very excited to have an opportunity to help out the San Diego Coastkeeper with their annual Ocean Gala. It's on Saturday, November 3rd, from 7pm to 12am at The Ballroom of the Hotel Del Coronado . They need volunteers to help set-up, help with the auction, etc. Volunteers need to dress in cocktail attire (not black tie) and need to attend a Mandatory training on October 30th from 6:30 - 7:30 (pizza will be provided.) All volunteers will receive a FREE dinner at the Del, and this will definitely have an opportunity to mingle with professionals in the field of Environmental Law.

There's 2 shifts available:

- 11am to 5pm or
- 4:30 pm to 12am

Just email Mary your Name, Email Address and the Shift you would like to work at mkoehrlein@gmail.com.

If you're more interested in attending the gala than in working it, students are receiving a $75 discount, so tickets are $100. Here is the online invitation and RSVP form.

If you have any questions or would just like some more info, email Mary at mkoehrlein@gmail.com or Deanna at SD Coastkeeper, Deanna@SDCoastkeeper.org .

Thank you!

Lantham & Watkins Webinar

2007-10-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Complimentary Live 90-minute Webinar Sponsored by Latham & Watkins

Climate Change: Latest Impacts on Land Use, Water Supplies, and Energy and Infrastructure Projects

Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 9:00 am Pacific

New federal and state laws—along with a spate of land use lawsuits—require that development projects now grapple with climate change. The issue arises not only with new federal and state climate change laws, but also with long-standing laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Water Code. In turn, these laws present questions about how all projects, large and small, can most efficiently satisfy new climate change mitigation requirements.

This program will address the following key issues for development projects:

The emerging case law on NEPA's climate change requirements.
California's new legislation, Senate Bill 97, which addresses climate change requirements and development project exemptions under CEQA.
The recent, landmark settlement agreement between the California Attorney General and the County of San Bernardino on climate change and land use.
Strategies for addressing climate change in water supply assessments and environmental review documents under NEPA and CEQA.

Speakers

Christopher W. Garrett , Global Co-Chair, Land Use Practice, Latham & Watkins

Janice M. Schneider , Partner, Latham & Watkins and former Counselor to the Deputy Secretary of the Interior

Christopher H. Norton , Of Counsel, Latham & Watkins

Adrianna B. Kripke , Associate, Latham & Watkins

Registration

To register for this complimentary program, please click here. The program will be accessible through your computer and, upon registration you will receive instructions on how to log-in to the Webinar. If you have any questions regarding this program, please email Miki Hanlen or call (202) 350-5261.

Welcome Back!

2007-09-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome back ELSers!

We hope this blog will be a forum to discuss environmental law related issues. Expect regular updates, including:

Ways to get involved in the club and in the community
Events, meetings, and guest speakers on and off campus
Environmental Law job postings
Links to articles on environmental law in local and national newspapers (soon to be located in the right panel)
Updates on legislative and regulatory issues effecting the environment
And more!

We want this to be an interactive site, where any club member can post something he or she finds interesting. We will let you know exactly how this will work as soon as we get the blog running smoothly.

In the meantime, the best way to keep up with the blog is to utilize an RSS feeder. An RSS feeder will transform your web browsing. Whenever this blog has an update, that update will show up on your homepage. There will be no need to check this blog hoping for an update. The RSS feeder will let you know when there is a new posting. You can also get updates from regular websites like CNN.com and ESPN.com. Two popular ones are Bloglines and Del.icio.us. It's really easy to set it up. Send me an email and I'll walk you through it. (Google also has an RSS feeder, but I haven't tried it yet.)

2007-05-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

Hey guys. Here's a post from Ariel about an opportunity for the summer.

Employer: City Attorney of San Diego

Position: Part-time, unpaid volunteer

Title: Summer 2007 Intern

We are seeking student interns to collaborate in creating proposals for how the City Attorney’s Office might expand its environmental enforcement role. Academic credit may be available through your school. Students must be available to work an average of 15 hours each week during the summer.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and single paragraph indicating your interest, including relevant experience, via e-mail to both:
Ariel Rief at arielrief@yahoo.com and Shirley R. Edwards, Chief Deputy City Attorney, Land Use and Environmental Section, at SEdwards@sandiego.gov.

2007-04-30T23:27:00.000-07:00

Hey all. Good luck on finals! I've had a great semester with you guys. I hope you've enjoyed the events that we've done. I am always appreciative to hear your input.

I wish you guys all the best on finals and with your summers. Also, if anyone would still like a T-shirt or would like to buy more please email me: jasmine.scott@mac.com--I have a few left.

If you're wondering about the photo--no real reason I just think Jack Bauer is the man.

2007-04-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

ACLU Internship Opportunities
Deadlines
Fall 2007: June 29
Spring 2008: Nov. 3
Summer 2008: Feb. 1
ACLU of Northern California Policy Department focuses on three areas: (1) Death Penalty; (2) Police Practices; and (3) Racial Justice.

The Position: Under supervision and guidance of Director, interns assist in projects that aim to improve criminal justice and education policy in Northern California.

Intern will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge issues, conducting legal and policy research, and drafting legal and policy memoranda, reports, and other advocacy documents. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in staff meetings and may also participate in strategy meetings with coalition partners and assist in fact gathering for local and state advocacy efforts through Public Records Act requests, field interviews and others.

For each of the three primary subject areas, intern responsibilities include the following:
Death penalty:
The interns will assist with projects aimed at bringing community and media attention to flaws in the California death penalty system. Current projects focus on highlighting the prevalent issue of wrongful convictions in California and relevant legislation.
Police practices:
The interns will assist with projects to improve police accountability. The work will focus on a
range of police related issues including civilian oversight of police, use of force policy with
particular focus on Tasers, and intelligence gathering and surveillance practices.
Racial justice:
A key priority for the Racial Justice Project is eliminating racial disparities in the criminal justice system and addressing the collateral consequences of incarceration. The Project also focuses on educational equity in California public schools. Current topics include the “school-to-prison pipeline,” felony re-enfranchisement, and racial profiling.

More information can be found here.

2007-04-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

I think you'll agree that we've never faced an environmental threat quite like global warming.
Fortunately the issue is finally getting the public attention it deserves. Whether it's a conversation around the kitchen-table, "An Inconvenient Truth" winning two Academy Awards, or a hearing in the capitol, people everywhere are talking about climate
change.

However, as we all know, just talking about the threat of global warming -- or any environmental problem -- isn't enough. What we need is action, from individuals and from our elected officials. The only way that will happen is if we join together to show our leaders that we all support bold solutions that solve the problem.

In that spirit, we are hosting a community round table on global warming in San Diego.

WHAT: Community round table on global warming
WHEN: Thursday, April 19 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: San Diego City College, Room C101, 1313 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA

The meeting will be a chance to learn more about Environment California's work on global warming and a great chance to find out how you can get involved.

To RSVP, click on this link or paste it into your
Web browser:

https://www.environmentcalifornia.org/action/global-warming/sd-rsvp?id4=ES

Dan Jacobson
Environment California Legislative Director
DanJ@environmentcalifornia.org
http://www.EnvironmentCalifornia.org

2007-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I hope Spring Break was good and that if you celebrate Easter you have a good day with your family today.

I wanted to inform you that we are bringing in a guest speaker, Rob Wilder on Wed., 4/11. He'll be addressing us in the Environmental Law class at 1PM in LRC 131. You are all invited. Mr. Wilder runs an investment fund which invests in clean technology and is a professor at UCSD. I think you all will be very impressed by how he's managed to make a ton of money doing good for the environment.

1PM, LRC 131 on Wed. 4/11

Thanks.

2007-03-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

World Water Day (March 22-24)
Click here for more information. The closest event is in LA but there's also a virtual way to get involved.

2007-03-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we'll have a special guest speaker at 12PM in 3B. Also, there will be lunch provided and not Dominos! Thanks to our hard workers at the Beach Clean Up we're going to have a better lunch tomorrow. It's a surprise. But show up. Guaranteed not Dominos.

Also, don't forget to vote in the Writs today or tomorrow.

2007-03-19T00:06:00.000-07:00

FREE LUNCH this WEDNESDAY

Yes that's right. This Wednesday at 12PM (room TBD) we will have a special guest speaker--Scott Anders from the Energy Policy Initiative Center (EPIC) here on campus. EPIC integrates research and analysis, law school study, and public education, and serves as a source of legal and policy expertise and information in the development of sustainable solutions that meet our future energy needs.

Scott will be addressing us on his latest project regarding solar energy. He's really a nice guy and very informative. If you are interested the sustainability of solar energy and other green energy plans or are interested in working for EPIC while you're here at USD this is a great opportunity to meet Scott and here what he does at EPIC.

Info on where the lunch will be will be provided as soon as "Cowboy" Bill approves our room.
Thanks.

2007-03-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all. If you are starting to think about a career in environmental law one way to get in is with another degree. That's right more school. But if you are interested in exploring your options here are some schools that offer great programs and are nationally recognized as leaders in environmental law and natural resource law.

Lewis and Clark School of Law
University of Denver School of Law
University of Colorado at Boulder
George Washington School of Law
Vermont Law School
Pace University School of Law

I hope you guys enjoy your search.

2007-03-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

Great Opportunity for the summer for 1Ls and 2Ls:

2007 Fellowships in Environmental Law
(click above for link)
The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources is pleased to announce the sponsorship of Fellowships for eligible law students during the summer of 2007. The ABA Fellowships in Environmental Law, formerly the Minority Fellowships in Environmental Law , is designed to encourage disadvantaged or traditionally underrepresented law students to study and pursue careers in environmental law.
The Section's work on environmental justice is coordinated with not-for-profit organizations representing traditionally underserved groups, other not-for-profit environmental organizations, and local, state and federal governmental organizations which provide placements for our summer Fellowship recipients.
Guidelines: Selected Fellowship recipients will have an 8-10 week internship commitment and will work on legal matters for a government agency or public interest organization in the fields of environmental, energy or resources law. Please note that recipients will choose the state they wish to intern in, but will not be able to select where or in which organization they will be placed.
Stipend: Each successful recipient will receive a $5,000 ($6,000 for New York Fellows) stipend in exchange for participation in the Fellowship program. The stipend does not cover travel expenses or include a housing allowance; these expenses are paid by the Fellowship recipient.
Qualifications: The Fellowship program is available to first and second year law students or third year night students from underrepresented or underserved groups, including for example, minority or low-income populations. It is generally preferred that you select the state where you are attending law school or have permanent residency status. Exceptions can be made, but preference will generally be given to those attending school, those who have permanent residency, or those who have a strong interest in the state that they are applying to. Students must complete and submit a Fellowship application in order to be considered.

Attn: Fellowships in Environmental Law
American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60610

2007-03-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in helping protect our beaches check out what Emerson has found:
It's a form letter that you fill in your information and then send.
Follow these 3 easy steps to help out.
1. Look over the message below, and feel free to add your own comments. Using your own words makes the message more meaningful.
2. Sign the letter by filling in the form below. We will not share your information with anyone else.
3. Click the button to send your message.
Check it out. It won't take much of your time and you can feel like you're making a difference.

2007-02-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hey all. The Beach Clean Up was a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Tourmaline is not one of the dirtier beaches in San Diego, but we managed to find a good amount of trash--including a Christmas Tree!

Also, T-shirts are still for sale but we are running low on certain sizes. So email me and reserve yours!

2007-02-27T22:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you considering a career in public interest check out USD's Loan Repayment Program (LRAP) and the requirements LRAP:

Classes of 1994 through 2006

It is with great pleasure that we announce the continuation of the University of San Diego schools of Law Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) with funding for 2006 awards authorized to assist students who have chosen careers with qualifying public interest employers. Included on this page is the actual application and employer certification form and a complete program description for your review.

The primary eligibility criteria for consideration include the following:

Employment with an IRS Code 501(c) 3 or 501(c) 4 organization
Graduation from USD School of Law
Minimum Loan Debt ( Law School Only) - $68,000
Maximum Applicant Income - $47,000
There are also other factors on the application that the Governing Board will consider as it reviews applications. A full description of the program is included below.

Introduction
Goals of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Administration of Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Eligibility Requirements
Loan Deferral And Loan Forgiveness
Revised Program Terms
Miscellaneous Provisions
Important Dates
Non-USD Loan Repayment Programs
Date of last modification: January 29, 2007

2007-02-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

Beach Clean Up this Saturday, 2/24 from 9AM to 11AM. Meet at the Writs at 8:15AM and we'll carpool over to Tourmaline in PB as a group.

We are doing this clean up with the J Ruben Clark, San Diego Surfrider Foundation as well as the San Diego Coastkeepers.

All we have to do is show up and help out for 2 hours.
Also T-SHIRT SALE TOMORROW (Thursday) in the Writs at 12PM. $10 for a lovely way to support the club and add to your chic wardrobe.

2007-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

T-Shirts are here! That's right show your love for your club and the environment with these spiffy T's. We didn't skimp one bit on the quality of the T's and the design is sweet. It's our logo that you see to the right on the front. Trust me these T's will be must have items--so get one (or more for friends and fam).

Here's how to get one: (1) Email/write me a note telling me Qty and Size (sm, med, lrg), (2) Trade me $10 and I will give you a shirt. (3) Ways to get a shirt: check or cash in my mailbox--Jasmine Scott, or grab when you see me on campus. Also feel free to email me with any questions, concerns, etc regarding obtaining one of these bad boys: jasmine.scott@mac.com.

Ok, that being said we have an official Beach Clean Up--Feb 24 (Sat) from 9AM-11AM at Tourmaline (North PB). We are doing this event in conjunction with SD Surfrider Foundation, SD Coastkeepers, the J. Ruben Clark Society here on campus, and the Surf and Kayak Club. More info to come. Also think how cool it's going to be for us to wear our T-shirts during the clean-up! Bonus!

2007-02-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hey All. I hope that everyone enjoyed our event today. Capt. Hunzeker and Cdr. Eldredge were very excited to be here.

For next week mark Tues, Feb. 13 on your calendars. At 12PM in 3A we have Carolyn Murrow coming to talk about the disasterous consequences of the SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink--a 120 miles stretch of 150ft tall power lines SDG&E wants to run through Anzo Borrego State Park.

So remember--2/13, 12PM in 3A. See you all there. (There will be food).

2007-02-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Remember to RSVP for our Event Wednesday (2/7) at 12PM in the Grace Courtroom. Free lunch! To RSVP email usdlawevent@sandiego.edu.

2007-02-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Great Summer Opportunity about more than just environmental law. 1 Month at the University of British Columbia.

Kevin Grigsby
Environmental Law Society
Dear Kevin Grigsby:

I am a law professor at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, California (www.swlaw.edu), and the Director of Southwestern’s 2007 Summer Law Program in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. I am emailing you because I thought your members might be interested in a one-month summer program that we offer at the U.B.C Faculty of Law. The program will run from May 27 – June 27, 2007, and is focused on international and comparative law. The application deadline is April 2, 2007, although early application is encouraged. Students are accepted on a rolling basis.
In its 15th year, the Program is sponsored by Southwestern in collaboration with the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law and the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (a part of the UN’s Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Program - http://www.icclr.law.ubc.ca/). This four-week, ABA approved program offers five courses in International Law to U.S. and Canadian law students. The courses offered this year include: (1) Comparative Constitutional Law; (2) Comparative Sexual Orientation Law; (3) Comparative Urban Planning Law; (4) International Law & Terrorism; and (5) International Environmental Law. The Program provides an exceptional opportunity to study international and comparative law with leading American and Canadian scholars. Faculty teaching in the Program this year come from Cornell, the Univ. of Georgia, the Univ. of Oregon, as well as UBC and Southwestern law schools. The Program also includes a Guest Lecturers series, visits/tours to the Canadian Provincial courts, and meetings with local judges and practitioners. The Program also offers a limited number of part-time externships for qualified applicants.
The Program is open to U.S. and Canadian law students who are in good standing at accredited law schools, and who have completed their first year of law study. The tuition fee is $2,900 for 4 units (2 classes) and $4,350 or 6 units (3 classes). A brochure can be found at: http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/pdfs/canada.pdf and an application form at: http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/pdfs/canapps.pdf. More information is generally available on Southwestern's webpage at: http://www.swlaw.edu/academics/international/summer/canada. Vancouver is a beautiful city in June – pictures can be found at www.vancouverscenes.com. Please note: the $250 deposit, is only cashed upon your acceptance to the program and is applied towards the total tuition (the $250 is nonrefundable only if you are accepted into the program and then you decide not to attend). Most home schools will provide you course credit for courses taken through the Program.

I would appreciate it if you could forward or pass on this information to your members, or to other students that you think might be interested. Given the competitive job market, the Program is particularly well-suited for 1L students who have not yet made summer plans. Because the Program ends before July, we find many students enjoy participating in the Program and then returning to work part-time or on a pro bono basis for the remaining weeks of the summer. The courses cover some of the hotest topics in international and comparative law.
Please feel to email or call me directly if you should have any questions, or require any additional information. Inquiries about the program can also be directed to: Austen Parrish, Associate Professor & Director, Vancouver Summer Law Program, Southwestern Law School, 3050 Wilshire Blvd., BW#311, Los Angeles, CA 90010-1106. Tel.: (213) 738-5728; email: aparrish@swlaw.edu.

Sincerely,

Austen Parrish

2007-01-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hey All. Volunteer opportunities are numerous in San Diego and here's a great way to get involved. Also, it's a great way for the club to get money from SBA. Here's a list of Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up Dates for the next 6 months. It starts at 9AM and last 2 hours. There's no need to pre-register. If you have any further questions check out www.surfridersd.org Tentatively schedule 2/24 as a date that we as a club will go.

January 13th - Coastkeeper Moonlight Beach Meet on the sand at the bottom of the ramp
January 27th - Coastkeeper Windansea Beach Meet at the end of Nautilus next to the shack
February 10th - Surfrider Ponto Jetty
February 24th - Surfrider Tourmaline (Pacific Beach) Meet right next to public restrooms
March 10th - Coastkeeper Cardiff State Beach Meet on the sand North of Charlie’s restaurant
March 24th - Coastkeeper Coronado City Beach Meet on the sand near the intersection of Ocean Blvd & G Ave.
April 14th - Surfrider South Mission BeachMeet at the jetty next to lifeguard tower
April 28th - Surfrider Creek to Bay CleanupCoordinated by ILACSD (Surfrider & Coastkeeper Sites)
May 12th - Coastkeeper Oceanside Pier Meet on the Southside of the pier
May 20th - Coastkeeper Pacific Beach Street Sweep Meeting point TBA
June 9th - Surfrider Oceanside - Buccaneer Beach
June 23rd - Surfrider Crystal Pier (Pacific Beach) Meet on the north side of the pier

2007-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here is the flyer for our big upcoming event, Wed. 2/7 at 12:15PM in the Grace Court Room:

University of San Diego School of Law

Public Lecture

“NAVY JAG ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PRACTICE”

Presented by

Capt. Mark T. Hunzeker

Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 12:15 p.m.

(Lunch will available at 12:00 p.m., outside the Grace Courtroom)

Warren Hall – Grace Courtroom (3^rd Floor)

RSVP to usdlawevent@sandiego.edu or

to the Event Response Line at 619-260-6848

Capt. Mark T. Hunzeker will be speaking in his personal capacity, about his personal experiences and views. He is not speaking on behalf of the Navy or acting as an official Navy representative.

His experience in practicing environmental law is related to training issues on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, and litigation support on dozens of suits filed against the Navy there. Primary issues were NEPA compliance, Clean Water Act permits, ESA compliance, and RCRA/CERCLA issues. At Third Fleet, he also worked on implementing Navy policy to help ensure compliance with MMPA. While at Third Fleet, they were sued by NRDC over use of mid-frequency active sonar in the Navy’s RIMPAC exercise – Capt. Hunzeker worked to help settle the litigation and develop interim protection measures for marine mammals so that the exercise could continue.

● sponsored by the USD Environmental Law Society ●

2007-01-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

General Meeting CHANGED.
Our first meeting of the semester will now be TUES, 12PM in WH-3A. Come for the food, stay to discuss our upcoming events.

2007-01-23T10:34:00.000-08:00

Great Internship Opportunity for this spring!

Employer: City Attorney of San Diego, Civil Division, Environmental Section
Position: Part-time, unpaid volunteer
Title: Spring 2007 Intern
We are seeking four students to assist in creating a non-profit environmental legal clinic. Students will be identifying and securing funding sources, finding a location to house the clinic, drafting a business plan, and communicating with leaders in the community. Students must be available to work 10-15 hours each week for the duration of the spring 2007 semester. Academic credit may be available through your school.
How to Apply:
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume, including relevant experience, via e-mail (SEdwards@sandiego.gov) to:

Shirley R. Edwards
Chief Deputy City Attorney
Office of the San Diego City Attorney
1200 Third Avenue, Suite 1620
San Diego, CA 92101

2007-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

One of the projects the Environmental Law Clinic is working on is the seemingly imminent running of giant power lines through Anzo Borrego National Park. This is going to have a big impact on the county. To read about it click here.

2006-11-27T15:29:00.000-08:00

Speaker Event: Tuesday, Nov. 28th
Noon-1pm
Warren Hall 2B
Gabe Solmer of San Diego Coastkeeper

Gabe Solmer, USD Law Alum and SD Coastkeeper attorney, will be coming to USD on Tuesday to speak to us about practicing environmental law for an NGO. I hope everyone can attend, and it will be a nice compare and contrast to our last speaker, Cordon Basael, a private environmental attorney for a large firm.

Kevin Grigsby

2006-10-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Environment California:

Below is a website for Environment, California, a statewide non-profit focusing on environmental issues. It has a Sister Organization, the California Public Interest Research Group, which focuses on environmental policy and legal issues. Check out the website as it has articles about California Environmental Initiatives, as well as internship and job postings. This would be a great place for a 1L interested in launching and environmental law/policy career to be a summer intern!

http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/html/newsletters/fall06

Kevin

2006-09-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Just wanted to remind everyone that we have a guest speaker coming tomorrow.

Cordon Baesel, a Luce Forward attorney has over 10 years of experience in the Environmental Law area and is a very interesting guy.

Please join us tomorrow, tuesday 9/26 in Warren Hall 3D at 12 noon for a short talk, some Q and A, and pizza.

2006-09-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Internship and study abroad opportunities:

After sorting through the year of mail the club received last year that went unopened, I have the following information avaliable for those interested. Most of this will pertain to 2L's and 3L's since I dont think Im allowed to be giving job and internship information to 1L's yet. Let me know via email or this blog comment what your name is if you want the info, and ill drop it in your mailbox:

1) ACLU Job Opportunities

Information from the ACLU Northern California District about paid summer internships, semester internships, and a two year fellowship for graduates.

2) Study Abroad Opportunities

Information from Southwestern Law School about their environmental law summer abroad program in Vancouver, Canada

3) LLM Information

Information from the University of Oregon School of Law on their environmental law LLM

4) State Bar of California Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite

Held October 19th to 22nd in Yosemite

-Kevin

2006-09-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

SCHEDULE UPDATE:

Wednesday, October 4th: 7:00pm (IPJ Theatre)

Lecture: "Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer" by Dr. Helen Caldicott, physician and long time anti nuclear advocate. She will speak on her new book which makes the case that nuclear power is not an alternative source of enegery (aka not clean and green).

This is an exciting environmental event, and will be held at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the West end of campus. I am hoping we can attend as a group, and can meet in front of the main entrance to the law school at 6:30pm. I will reserve a block of tickets for the club, but need an idea of who wishes to attend. Those who would like to attend, please leave a comment to this post indicating so. Hopefully we can get a good group to go.

Kevin

2006-09-06T01:01:00.000-07:00

ELS Members...just wanted to let everyone know the username and password on the blog so ya'll can participate and post relevant information:

Username: usdlawels
Password: usdlawels

Heres the type of things I was hoping everyone could post:
News articles about environmental law and environmental issues
Job openings in environmental law
Internships in environmental law
Anything else relevant to environmental law

Hope to see some posts soon!

Kevin

2006-08-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the USD Law Environmental Law Society blog. This will contain postings of environmental law jobs avaliable around the country, new articles, and anything else that interests the members.