Climate Change Litigation

Fifth Annual ALI-ABA Course of Study cosponsored by the Environmental Law Institute

If you practice environmental, regulatory, energy, resources, administrative, corporate, or securities law, climate change presents both risks and opportunities. Although there is uncertainty as to the shape of future federal regulation, there is little doubt that climate change will continue to be a driver of risk and reward for companies and law firms. It is vital that you understand the key policy and legal elements that contribute to climate law and policy, and how this quickly changing landscape could affect your clients. This course is intended to provide both the practical understanding and necessary skills to do this successfully.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency now requires reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, and broad EPA regulation of such gases may be around the corner. States and regions across the country are implementing both sector-specific and economy-wide regulatory regimes. Federal circuit courts of appeals have given the green light to tort suits seeking damages and injunctions against companies for climate emissions. This course provides an overview of climate change and "clean energy" regulatory regimes at the state, federal, and international levels. Learn about likely future developments and implications for clients, practice tips and pitfalls, and ethics issues.