Environmental Law & Policy Summit March 28-29 honors 20th anniversary of Katrina

Tulane University Law School is set to host its 30th Annual Environmental Law & Policy Summit on March 28-29, 2025, focusing on the theme "Community and Resilience."

 The event will commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the intersection of disaster recovery and environmental law. 

For details on the Summit, click here.

“As we reflect on the transformative events of 2005, we aim to explore how communities can adapt, thrive, and lead in the face of environmental challenges,” said Summit Chair 3L Rowlie Flores. “The summit will bring together thought leaders, legal experts, advocates, and community voices to discuss critical issues including climate change, energy transition, environmental justice, disaster recovery, and more.”

The Summit, entirely student-run and free to the public, will feature legal-focused panels with distinguished speakers addressing topics that shape Louisiana, the Gulf Coast, and the global community.  Some of the panels will include discussions on the recent Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright, the energy transition, climate infrastructure, the wildfires in California and Hawai’i, and many more. The Summit will also feature a collaborative session with the New Orleans Book Festival on environmental justice and will showcase authors Jay Hakes and Trish O’Kane.

This year’s keynote is Professor Michael Gerrard, a renowned environmental law expert. Gerrard is widely recognized for his work on climate change litigation, environmental regulation, and energy policy. As a professor at Columbia Law School and the founder of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, he has played a pivotal role in shaping legal strategies to address climate change and environmental degradation. His research focuses on the intersection of law and environmental policy, particularly in holding governments and corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change. Gerrard has authored and edited numerous influential books and articles on environmental law, making significant contributions to the legal framework surrounding sustainability and climate justice.

Beyond academia, Professor Gerrard has been deeply involved in practical legal work, advising governments, non-profits, and businesses on environmental compliance and policy development. He has worked extensively on issues such as renewable energy law, environmental impact assessments, and climate resilience planning. His expertise is frequently sought in high-profile environmental cases, where he provides legal arguments and strategic guidance on matters ranging from carbon emissions regulations to the rights of climate refugees. Through his scholarship, advocacy, and legal practice, Gerrard has significantly influenced the way environmental law is used to combat the climate crisis and promote sustainable development.

For more information, including registration details and a schedule of events, visit the summit's website.