Colorado Law Students Attend the 71st Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute
From July 17-19, the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law hosted the 71st Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute in Whistler, British Columbia. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the Foundation for providing the funding that made this opportunity possible. Along with the Foundation Scholarship winners, Solomon Biers-Ariel and Emily Derrenbacker, the Foundation’s generosity and commitment to student engagement allowed for Colorado Law students Corinne Griffin, Danielle Polinske, and myself to attend this incredible event.
Right out of the gates, keynote speaker Professor Richard J. Lazarus gave a powerful presentation on the history of environmental law and the restrictions recent Supreme Court decisions have placed on environmental regulations. While the presentation left me frustrated by how these decisions have chipped away at hard fought environmental protections, it also filled me with a renewed sense of urgency to stay engaged and push for stronger laws to safeguard our planet.
As the conference moved forward, I found myself captivated by Professor Robin Kundis Craig’s presentation titled “Developing the Nation’s Other Water Resources – Saltwater Facilities and Critical Mineral Operations Meet Marine Critters.” Professor Kundis got right into the weeds of critical mineral operations on the seafloor, providing a detailed explanation of how the operations function and their implications for marine life. I am always eager to learn more about the actual the on-the-ground activities and industries that environmental laws and regulations seek to govern, and this presentation provided that and more.
Beyond the presentations, this conference provided plenty of opportunities to engage with fellow students, attorneys, and professors. It was truly inspiring to meet so many people who share a similar passion as myself and to see where that passion has taken them. Interacting with the attorneys allowed me to see the multitude of avenues a career in natural resources, energy, or environmental law can take you. It showed me that when you stay true to your personal values and pursue work you genuinely believe in, a fulfilling and successful career is always within reach.
My fellow Colorado Law attendees shared in my sense of inspiration and motivation as well. When Danielle Polinske was asked about her favorite part of the weekend was, she responded, “It was really nice getting to connect with other students from difference schools who are also passionate about environment law. Hearing about their experiences and goals reminded me that there is a whole community of future lawyers committed to making a difference in this field and it was amazing getting to join in that sense of purpose.”
When Corinne Griffin was asked about her experience, she spoke about the Portia’s Lunch for Women. “It was a unique experience to be in a room of all female lawyers. I’ve never been in a situation like it and found it to be very inspiring, especially hearing from individuals like Rebecca Watson. Hearing the hardships and wins of women who came before me from being one of the only few or only women in the room when practicing was enlightening and made me feel like the challenges of law school are more than worth it.”
Simply put, the 71st Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute was an unforgettable experience.