Blog /center/gwc/ en Colorado Law Students Attend the 71st Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute /center/gwc/2025/07/25/colorado-law-students-attend-71st-annual-natural-resources-and-energy-law-institute <span>Colorado Law Students Attend the 71st Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-25T10:37:15-06:00" title="Friday, July 25, 2025 - 10:37">Fri, 07/25/2025 - 10:37</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-07/Amy%20Walsh%2C%20Jake%20Lehrman%2C%20Danielle%20Polinske%2C%20Corinne%20Griffin%2C%20Solomon%20Biers-Ariel%2C%20Emily%20Derrenbacker.jpeg?h=71976bb4&amp;itok=M2v8Jsja" width="1200" height="800" alt="Amy Walsh, Jake Lehrman, Danielle Polinske, Corinne Griffin, Solomon Biers-Ariel, Emily Derrenbacker"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/153" hreflang="en">Energy Law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/27" hreflang="en">Student Opportunities</a> </div> <span>Jacob Lehrman</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>From July 17-19, the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law hosted the 71<sup>st</sup> 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.</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>As the conference moved forward, I found myself captivated by Professor Robin Kundis Craig’s presentation titled “Developing the Nation’s </span><em><span>Other</span></em><span> 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.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>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.</span></p><p><span>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.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>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.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Simply put, the 71<sup>st</sup> Annual Natural Resources and Energy Law Institute was an unforgettable experience.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 16:37:15 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 808 at /center/gwc Sept 4: GWC and AILP Gathering /center/gwc/2025/07/16/sept-4-gwc-and-ailp-gathering <span>Sept 4: GWC and AILP Gathering</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-16T14:40:01-06:00" title="Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 14:40">Wed, 07/16/2025 - 14:40</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/callout/chris_and_students.gif?h=116e982e&amp;itok=n8XbMyU0" width="1200" height="800" alt="Chris and Students"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/155" hreflang="en">Events</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/27" hreflang="en">Student Opportunities</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>The Getches-Wilkinson Center and American Indian Law Program are co-hosting a social event on Thursday, September 4<sup>th</sup>, 2025 5-7pm in Schaden Commons.</span></p><p><span>We are extending an open invitation to Colorado Law students, staff, faculty, and the GWC Advisory Council to join us for food and drink and informal conversation in Schaden Commons. We hope that the convening will be especially helpful for incoming 1L students to feel welcomed to the law school and connected to the natural resources and American Indian law programs.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>The event is free to attend. Registration is required.&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="https://dg0000000jfrumae.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/evt__quickevent?id=a1aKW000004X13IYAS" rel="nofollow"><span><strong>Register Here</strong></span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:40:01 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 807 at /center/gwc Oct 22: Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources with John Leshy /center/gwc/2025/07/16/oct-22-ruth-wright-distinguished-lecture-natural-resources-john-leshy <span>Oct 22: Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources with John Leshy</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-16T10:27:37-06:00" title="Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - 10:27">Wed, 07/16/2025 - 10:27</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-07/John%20Leshy%20Headshot%20from%20LinkedIn_0.jpg?h=aabaf923&amp;itok=p36RZnfX" width="1200" height="800" alt="John Leshy"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/45" hreflang="en">Distinguished Lecture</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/155" hreflang="en">Events</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/133" hreflang="en">Public lands</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>The Getches-Wilkinson Center is pleased to present the <strong>2025 Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources with John Leshy on Wed, Oct 22nd</strong> at the Wolf Law Building in 91PORN, CO.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span><strong>John Leshy</strong></span></p><p><span>Professor Emeritus at University of California, Hastings College of the Law and Author, “Our Common Ground: A History of America's Public Lands”</span></p><p><span>Lecture title and description will be shared at a later date. Check back here for updates.</span></p><p><span><strong>Wednesday, October 22nd</strong></span></p><p><span><strong>12-12:50pm Student Lunch with John Leshy in Room 206 - no registration required</strong></span><br><br><strong>6:00-7:30:</strong><span><strong> Lecture: Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom</strong></span><br><span><strong>7:30-8:30pm - Reception for all registered attendees</strong></span></p><ul><li><span>This event is free and open to the public, but <strong>registration is required</strong> to attend and/or receive the livestream link.</span></li><li><span>In person and Virtual (Zoom) attendance available.</span></li><li><span>There will be a reception following the lecture. Details will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.</span></li></ul><p><span><strong>General Colorado CLE</strong> credits are pending for this event.</span></p><h2><a href="https://dg0000000jfrumae.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/evt__quickevent?id=a1aKW000004X13DYAS" rel="nofollow"><strong>Registration is OPEN!</strong></a><br>&nbsp;</h2><p><span><strong>The Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources</strong></span></p><p><span>In 2018, the GWC received a generous gift from the Wright Family Foundation to establish the Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources in honor of her inspiring legacy as a leader in western natural resources, land conservation, and environmental policy and advocacy. With this support, we look forward to bringing this free event to our community for years to come.</span></p><p><span>As a legislator, environmentalist, and historian, Ruth Wright dedicated her career to environmental issues and activism. While a student at Colorado Law, she led efforts to preserve 91PORN’s open space and limit the height of buildings in 91PORN to 55 feet to protect enjoyment of the unique landscape for the ages. In 1980, she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives, where she represented 91PORN until 1994. She was also the second woman ever to become the House minority leader, a role she held from 1986 until 1992. While serving in the House of Representatives, Wright continued to be a strategic champion for the environment, and has been recognized by such groups as the Colorado Wildlife Foundation, the ACLU, the Sierra Club, and Colorado Open Lands.</span></p></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-07/John%20Leshy%20Headshot%20from%20LinkedIn.jpg?itok=ILfs89kZ" width="1500" height="1500" alt="John Leshy"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:27:37 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 806 at /center/gwc Reflections on Julia Olson's Visit to Colorado Law /center/gwc/2025/07/14/reflections-julia-olsons-visit-colorado-law <span>Reflections on Julia Olson's Visit to Colorado Law</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-14T13:40:35-06:00" title="Monday, July 14, 2025 - 13:40">Mon, 07/14/2025 - 13:40</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-07/Julia%20Olson%20and%20Mariah%20Bowman.jpg?h=db88180a&amp;itok=uA6H2Stq" width="1200" height="800" alt="Julia Olson and Mariah Bowman"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/154" hreflang="en">Wyss Scholars Program</a> </div> <span>Mariah Bowman</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>Hi, my name is Mariah Bowman and I am Colorado Law’s Wyss Scholar for the Class of 2025! Through </span><a href="https://www.wyssfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow"><span>The Wyss Foundation</span></a><span>, I had the opportunity to host one of my heroes on campus to speak with students about her hard-won wisdom and career in environmental law.</span></p><p><span>Julia Olson, founder of </span><a href="https://www.ourchildrenstrust.org/" rel="nofollow"><span>Our Children’s Trust</span></a><span>, visited us in April. Julia started Our Children’s Trust, a nonprofit law firm, to fight for youth rights to a livable climate.</span></p><p><span>Before I met Julia, I knew her nonprofit was doing important work in this arena: they recently won a first-of-its kind case where youth secured a constitutional right to a healthy climate under Montana state law. But getting to hear about Julia’s vision first-hand helped me understand just how innovative and bold Our Children’s Trust has been over the last decade, and how sorely needed this kind of attitude is in the field of environmental law.</span></p><p><span>In law school, those of us who take classes in environmental law learn a great deal about procedural environmental rights secured under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other similar laws. These laws ensure that the government must undertake certain procedures before it can harm the environment. And citizens can sue if the government harms the environment </span><em><span>without</span></em><span> taking the proper procedural steps. But all too often, the law does not actually, substantively protect Americans’ rights to a safe and healthy environment.</span></p><p><span>Our Children’s Trust boldly asserts that people have a substantive legal right to a livable climate—not just a procedural right to hold the government accountable to its procedural obligations. And, in Montana, they won.</span></p><p><span>It was inspiring to listen to Julia talk about not only their recent win, but the decade of losses that Our Children’s Trust has learned from to get there. She told us that every loss is a roadmap to success: judges will often lay out in their opinions how to better bring the case in its next iteration.</span></p><p><span>In a time when much of our country and our profession are scrambling to find courage and come up with new ways to fight for the things we believe in, Julia was the perfect leader to hear from this moment, because she has been doing both for decades. She has been imagining a new way forward and committing to that vision for a long time.</span></p><p><span>I very much enjoyed hearing her reflections on envisioning new legal theories, on building an institution that fills a void, on storytelling and communication, on how to best build on losses, and on how to build jurisprudence and a movement. Her remarks were practical, inspiring, and deeply needed in this moment.</span></p><p><span>I am very grateful to the Wyss Foundation for the opportunity to bring Julia to campus. I will be reflecting on—and carrying forward—all she shared for a long time to come.&nbsp;</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:40:35 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 805 at /center/gwc GWC Well Represented at Crested Butte Public Policy Forum /center/gwc/2025/07/02/gwc-well-represented-crested-butte-public-policy-forum <span>GWC Well Represented at Crested Butte Public Policy Forum</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-07-02T07:27:54-06:00" title="Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - 07:27">Wed, 07/02/2025 - 07:27</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-07/IMG_2982.jpg?h=24243256&amp;itok=9j8Ufwc0" width="1200" height="800" alt="Julia Nania, Doug Kenney and Becky Mitchell"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/69" hreflang="en">Water law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/29" hreflang="en">Western Water Policy Program</a> </div> <span>Douglas Kenney</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>On the evening of June 24, the GWC’s Doug Kenney joined Becky Mitchell, Colorado’s lead negotiator on Colorado River matters, at the Crested Butte Public Policy Forum for a conversation about current and future Colorado River issues.<span>&nbsp; </span>Well over 100 people packed the Center for the Arts for the public event that in previous years has featured speakers as varied as Ted Turner, Sandra Day O’Connor, and the GWC’s Senior Fellow Anne Castle.</p><p>The primary focus of discussion was how “big river” issues—that is, the changing rules determining how Colorado River supplies are shared amongst the seven states—impact the availability of water on Colorado’s West Slope.<span>&nbsp; &nbsp;</span>This required a review of the three numbers in the basin that increasingly are out of step: the amount of water entering the system each year through snowmelt and rain; the amount of water consumed by water users throughout the basin; and the amount of consumptive use that has been promised to water users in the Colorado River Compact and other laws. This mismatch of supplies, demands and allocations is not a new problem, but is of particular urgency now as Lakes Powell and Mead are two-thirds empty, the EIS process for new determining new reservoir operations is well underway, and the current year runoff is shaping up as one of the worst in decades.</p><p>The conversation was led by Julie Nania, an icon in Crested Butte for her work with High Country Conservation Advocates in protecting Mt. Emmons—the so-called “Red Lady”—from development into a molybdenum mine, as well as her service on the Board of Directors of the Upper Gunnison Water Conservancy District and as Executive Director and Faculty Chair of the Coldharbour Institute based at Western Colorado University.<span>&nbsp; </span>Julie began her career at Colorado Law (class of 2011), which included a post-graduate fellowship with the GWC from 2013-2014 working on tribal water rights. Julie stands as a great example of the GWC’s ongoing influence in protecting the resources and places that we all value.&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:27:54 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 804 at /center/gwc Oct 23 & 24: 2025 Martz Symposium on Public Lands /center/gwc/2025/06/23/oct-23-24-2025-martz-symposium-public-lands <span>Oct 23 &amp; 24: 2025 Martz Symposium on Public Lands</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-23T11:27:20-06:00" title="Monday, June 23, 2025 - 11:27">Mon, 06/23/2025 - 11:27</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-06/Save%20the%20Date%203%20v2.png?h=864d5881&amp;itok=EZHjT75W" width="1200" height="800" alt="Martz Symposium on Public Lands"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/155" hreflang="en">Events</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/47" hreflang="en">Martz Symposium</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/133" hreflang="en">Public lands</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>The Getches-Wilkinson Center will be convening the 2025 Martz Symposium on Public Lands: <strong>"</strong><span><strong>Public Lands in Public Hands – Reflections on 50 Years of Retention History"</strong></span><strong> on Thurs, Oct 23rd and Fri, Oct 24th </strong>at the Wolf Law Building in 91PORN, CO.</p><p><span><strong>Public Lands in Public Hands – Reflections on 50 Years of Retention History</strong></span></p><p>The Federal Land Policy and Management Act marked a new chapter in the history of public lands in the United States.<span>&nbsp; </span>In that 1976 law, Congress declared a national policy that public lands be retained in federal ownership and control for the benefit of the American people. Over the last 50 years, that retention policy has led to far reaching consequences for people and places across the country. Today, public lands provide critical support for economic, environmental, social, and cultural values, contributing to the vitality of both urban and rural communities. Yet, the nation still struggles with the effects of dispossession and forced removal of Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands, most of which remain in the hands of the Federal government. Retention of public lands also presents certain challenges to states, localities, and private property owners.</p><p>Despite 50 years of retention policy and widespread public support for keeping public lands in public hands, the future of public lands remains uncertain. Some want the federal government to sell off federal public lands or give them to the States. Others are keen to defend and celebrate the retention policy and their love of public lands.</p><p>The legal landscape has also changed dramatically over the past 50 years. Public land planning has proved to be a mixed bag, but it engages the public on the critical issues facing public land planners, including resource development, grazing policy, land conservation, endangered species conservation, and the protection of cultural resources, among many other things. Modernizing the decision-making process has also taken center stage, with debates about strategies for making faster and smarter decisions. Adaptive management has also entered the public lands lexicon, although it sometimes seems more aspirational than real.</p><p><span>This year’s Martz Symposium takes a deep dive into the past, present, and future of our national policy of keeping public lands in public hands. The symposium will convene experts in public lands law and policy, advocates from across the political and policy spectrum, including Tribal leaders, experts on public opinion, and many other respected voices. Our goal will be to stimulate new thinking and fresh ideas, and to inspire a new generation of public lands leaders to build on the legacy from the past 50 years. Please join us for what promises to be an outstanding opportunity to engage with old and new friends and colleagues on one of the most important issues facing the American West.</span></p><h2><a href="https://dg0000000jfrumae.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/evt__quickevent?cancelled_pid=a19KW000003WjgHYAS&amp;id=a1aKW000004X138YAC&amp;lang=en_US&amp;pid=a19KW000003WjgHYAS" rel="nofollow"><strong>Registration is OPEN!&nbsp;</strong></a></h2><p><strong>Registration Rates Early Bird - Register prior to September 15, 2025</strong><br>General (In person)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$225<br>Remote Access Only&nbsp; &nbsp; $75<br>CU Faculty/Staff/Student (In person or Zoom)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Free<br><em>*<span>Buff OneCard number may be requested for validation of current 91PORN faculty/staff/student status.&nbsp;</span></em><br>Colorado Law Alumni Only Reception Thurs, Oct 23&nbsp; &nbsp; $15<br><em>*This is only available to Colorado Law alumni to attend the Martz Symposium Reception on Thurs, Oct 23rd. This does not grant access to the conference.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Registration Rates - Register on or after September 16, 2025</strong><br>General (In person)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;$250<br>Remote Access Only&nbsp; &nbsp; $100<br>CU Faculty/Staff/Student (In person or Zoom)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Free<br><em>*<span>Buff OneCard number may be requested for validation of current 91PORN faculty/staff/student status.</span></em><br>Colorado Law Alumni Only Reception Thurs, Oct 23&nbsp; &nbsp; $15<br><em>*This is only available to Colorado Law alumni to attend the Martz Symposium Reception on Thurs, Oct 23rd. This does not grant access to the conference.&nbsp;</em></p><p>Registration will close Monday, October 20.<br>No refunds will be offered after October 1, 2025.<br>Remote access will be given to ALL registered attendees.<br>Conference reception, campus parking, and lunches/refreshments included with in person registration.<br>General Colorado CLE is pending.<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:27:20 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 803 at /center/gwc Behind the Scenes: Bringing the Martz Symposium Back to Life in Print /center/gwc/2025/06/20/behind-scenes-bringing-martz-symposium-back-life-print <span>Behind the Scenes: Bringing the Martz Symposium Back to Life in Print</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-20T07:02:47-06:00" title="Friday, June 20, 2025 - 07:02">Fri, 06/20/2025 - 07:02</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-06/Public%20Lands%20Image%20by%20Len%20Necefer%20200x200.png?h=55541bb6&amp;itok=lbOSF5Yt" width="1200" height="800" alt="Photo by Len Necefer"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/19"> Publications </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/47" hreflang="en">Martz Symposium</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/133" hreflang="en">Public lands</a> </div> <span>Oliver Skelly</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><em><span>A look inside the editorial process that transformed two days of dialogue into Volume 36, Issue 2 of the Colorado Environmental Law Journal</span></em></p><p><span>After a five-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the </span><em><span>Martz Symposium on Public Lands</span></em><span> returned to the University of Colorado Law School this&nbsp;</span><a href="/center/gwc/2024/08/27/fri-oct-4-sat-oct-5-martz-symposium-public-lands" rel="nofollow"><span>past October</span></a><span> with renewed vigor and urgency. Now, just months later, we're proud to share how those conversations made their way into the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/celj/" rel="nofollow"><span>pages of the Colorado Environmental Law Journal</span></a><span>. Many thanks to our authors, S. James Anaya, Matt Dietz, Alison Flint, Travis Belote, Monte Mils, Martin Nie, and Sarah Matsumoto, for their excellent work throughout the process.</span></p><p><span>Yet the process of turning conversations into law review articles is no simple feat. The transition from symposium presentations to law review articles presents unique editorial challenges. Read on for an assuredly riveting “behind the scenes” look on what happened in the Journal suite over the last six months to make it all happen.</span></p><p><span><strong>From Spoken Word to Scholarly Articles</strong></span></p><p><span>First up is tracking down your authors. This usually begins as a “call for submissions” and, if the conference’s listserv doesn’t heed the call, can often end as a “please, please, please write something for us.” Fortunately for yours truly, the 2024 Martz Symposium’s panelists and moderators—Mills, Flint, Matsumoto, and Anaya, to be specific—promptly offered up their ideas and commitments.</span></p><p><span>Once the authors are selected, the waiting game begins because, unlike the usual process where we selected pre-written articles, symposium selections will be written after the fact (i.e., the event), and generally on the subject the author presented on. Again, trepidation set in as the first-draft December deadline grew nearer; again, our authors came through.</span></p><p><span>Bear with me here because it’s about to get really interesting. The editing process is as follows: two rounds of substantive edits, onto cite checks and then a copy edit / page proof finish. The latter two rounds are where law journals across the country win their notoriety. Imagine the most monotonous task you do daily, multiply its monotony by five, then find a rule to cite for why you do it. And then do that task several hundred times over the course of a month. That’s our bread and butter, baby.</span></p><p><span>Jokes aside, these editorial rounds are what allow for law review articles to be relied upon when writing the law—be it legislators or judges. Without a swarm of staff writers and editors to do that sort of rigorous fact checking, the articles’ value to the legal field would be greatly diminished.</span></p><p><span><strong>Bridging Academia and Practice</strong></span></p><p><span>Nevertheless, the value in this issue’s contents was apparent from the get-go. We were very fortunate to work with an esteemed group of authors covering a breadth of practice areas. Take it from my very own editor’s note:</span></p><p><em><span>Issue 2 opens with S. James Anaya's incisive and experiential analysis of the International Council on Mining and Metals' 2024 Position Statement on Indigenous Peoples, examining how the world's largest mining companies are grappling with their responsibilities toward Indigenous communities. Matt Dietz, Alison Flint, and Travis Belote of the Wilderness Society then present a compelling argument for the role of landscape intactness in the BLM’s multiple-use and sustained-yield mandate, tactfully striking that elusive literary balance between law and science. Professors Monte Mills and Martin Nie then offer up the first comprehensive framework for integrating tribal co-stewardship into federal public lands planning processes by addressing a critical, inequitable gap in the current planning approaches. Colorado Law’s very own Sarah Matsumoto rounds out the articles selection in the Pacific Northwest with an Oregonian exposé on the tension between legitimate wildfire management and its exploitation by industry.</span></em></p><p><span>The symposium issue doesn't just feature the distinguished speakers—it also showcases the Journal's student editors' own scholarship. Here’s me again, too lazy to paraphrase:</span></p><p><em><span>The Journal’s lead production editor, Lara Andenoro, kicks off the student notes with a weighty analysis of Held v. Montana and how state constitutional environmental rights provisions can serve as powerful tools for climate litigation. Next up is managing editor, Aidan Bodeo-Lomicky’s investigation into the Rice's whale—the world's most endangered baleen whale—illustrating the complex intersection of environmental protection and political change. Tying a bow on Volume 36 is lead notes editor, Mason Liddell, and his comparative analysis of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights and Happy the Elephant case, revealing the challenges facing rights-based environmental and animal advocacy.</span></em></p><p><span><strong>Publication in a Changing Landscape</strong></span></p><p><span>Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the editorial process was the rapidly changing political landscape. The Journal's commitment to publishing timely, relevant scholarship meant that articles required constant updates as policies shifted. This was particularly evident in pieces dealing with federal land management, where, as anyone who reads GWC blog posts knows, there has been some regulatory change afoot over the last six months.</span></p><p><span>Still, the team's dedication to accuracy and timeliness and the authors’ hard work in keeping us up to date meant that what began as symposium presentations slowly but surely evolved into forward-looking scholarship that remains relevant even as the political landscape continues to shift.</span></p><p><span><strong>A Labor of Love</strong></span></p><p><span>The Martz Symposium issue represents more than just a collection of articles—it's a testament to the power of bringing together diverse voices to address our most pressing environmental challenges. From the distinguished speakers who trusted the Journal with their ideas to the student editors who worked tirelessly to bring those ideas to print, Volume 36, Issue 2 stands as a collaborative achievement and capstone on the return of the </span><em><span>Martz Symposium</span></em><span>.</span></p><p><span>Now,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/celj/" rel="nofollow"><span>go read it yourself!</span></a></p><p><em><span>Volume 36, Issue 2 of the Colorado Environmental Law Journal is now available at&nbsp;</span></em><a href="https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/celj" rel="nofollow"><em><span>scholar.law.colorado.edu/celj</span></em></a><em><span>. Recordings of the symposium presentations can be found on the </span></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwFq2GL-i5Uij584M3kzxF-wCktaXH9A8" rel="nofollow"><em><span>Getches-Wilkinson Center's YouTube channel.</span></em></a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:02:47 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 802 at /center/gwc Rapid Assessment of the Senate’s Proposal to Sell Off Public Lands /center/gwc/2025/06/18/rapid-assessment-senates-proposal-sell-public-lands <span> Rapid Assessment of the Senate’s Proposal to Sell Off Public Lands</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-18T10:59:32-06:00" title="Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 10:59">Wed, 06/18/2025 - 10:59</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-06/Colorado%20Law%20students%20at%20Corona%20Arch%20in%20Southeast%20Utah%2C%20which%20could%20be%20sold%20off%20to%20a%20private%20developer%20under%20the%20current%20proposal.jpg?h=8229425f&amp;itok=xMdIxCvv" width="1200" height="800" alt="Colorado Law students at Corona Arch in Southeast Utah, which could be sold off to a private developer under the current proposal"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/19"> Publications </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/133" hreflang="en">Public lands</a> </div> <span>Chris Winter</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>The Getches-Wilkinson Center has published a white paper that provides a rapid assessment of a proposal from the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee to mandate the sale of federal public lands. This proposal was being considered as a part of an expedited budget reconciliation process with little to no meaningful public engagement.</p><p><a href="/center/gwc/media/650" rel="nofollow"><span>A Rapid Assessment of the Senate’s Proposal to Sell Off Public Lands</span></a></p><p>The updated white paper published on June 25, 2025 analyzes updated Senate language that was made available to the public on the same day.</p><p>The earlier version of the white paper dated June 18, 2025 can be viewed <a href="/center/gwc/media/644" rel="nofollow"><span>here</span></a>.&nbsp;</p><p>On June 29, 2025, Senator Mike Lee from Utah announced that he was pulling the proposed sell-off of public lands form the budget reconciliation passage. His decision comes after several republican lawmakers from western states stated that they would oppose the reconciliation package if the sell-off was included in the bill.</p><p>Many million acres of public land were at risk under this proposal, and 1.2 million acres across the west could have be privatized in only 10 years. The resulting sell off would have threatened drinking water for rural communities, cultural resources valued by Tribes and Indigenous people, recreational access, wildlife habitat, and many other important ecosystem services that support rural economies and communities.</p><p>In addition, the sell-off proposal would have marked a dramatic departure from existing public land law and policy in the United States, which requires the retention of federal public lands and management of those resources according to multiple use, sustained yield principles for the benefit of the American public. Existing law carefully circumscribes when public lands can be sold to private parties, ensuring that those transactions are designed to further the public interest in public lands and that any proceeds are reinvested into conservation and recreation. The Senate ENR proposal would have waived these existing legal protections and instead sold off federal public land to fund the federal government and offset tax breaks.&nbsp;</p><p>If you have questions, please contact Chris Winter, Executive Director at <a href="mailto:chris.winter@colorado.edu" rel="nofollow">chris.winter@colorado.edu</a>.</p></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/2025-06/Colorado%20Law%20students%20at%20Corona%20Arch%20in%20Southeast%20Utah%2C%20which%20could%20be%20sold%20off%20to%20a%20private%20developer%20under%20the%20current%20proposal.jpg?itok=ujhAoj4A" width="1500" height="1124" alt="Colorado Law students at Corona Arch in Southeast Utah, which could be sold off to a private developer under the current proposal"> </div> <span class="media-image-caption"> <p>Colorado Law students at Corona Arch in Southeast Utah, which could be sold off to a private developer under the current proposal</p> </span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:59:32 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 801 at /center/gwc Turning Hindsight into Foresight: The Colorado River at a Crossroads /center/gwc/2025/06/17/turning-hindsight-foresight-colorado-river-crossroads <span>Turning Hindsight into Foresight: The Colorado River at a Crossroads </span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-17T10:13:35-06:00" title="Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - 10:13">Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:13</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-06/COL_4615.jpg?h=9f785bd9&amp;itok=Hut9jccV" width="1200" height="800" alt="Colorado River Conference"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/51" hreflang="en">Martz Summer Conference</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/69" hreflang="en">Water law</a> </div> <span>Jacob Lehrman</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>On Thursday, June 5<sup>th</sup> and Friday, June 6<sup>th</sup>, the Getches-Wilkinson Center and the Water &amp; Tribes Initiative hosted the 45<sup>th</sup> Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources. As efforts to finalize the post-2026 Interim Guidelines ramp up, the aptly titled </span><em><span>Turning Hindsight into Foresight: The Colorado River at a Crossroads</span></em><span> gathered attorneys, government officials, tribal leaders, NGO representatives, students, filmmakers, and academics to reflect on the successes and failures of the past to facilitate a discussion of how to better manage the Colorado River in the future.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Day 1 kicked off with inspiring tales of the rich history and culture of the Colorado River by author Craig Childs and professor Patty Limerick. Their impressive storytelling set the mood for the rest of the conference by underscoring the immense value of this natural resource and the importance of ensuring a more sustainable future for the river and the people who rely on it. Soon after, a panel of experts reviewed the legal principles and agreements that shaped the last set of rules for managing the Colorado River. Paired with insightful questions from the audience, the result was a truly interactive and stimulating experience.</span></p><p><span>The following presentations, which centered on the role of agriculture in shaping the region’s water budget, laid out the harsh reality that without meaningful change there is not enough water available to meet everyone’s needs. Brian Richter’s segment, </span><em><span>Reconciling the Math of Agricultural Water Use</span></em><span>, provided a hard-hitting overview of the numbers that go into agricultural water consumption, a perspective that is ever so vital in setting the course for future management guidelines. Day 1 came to a close with a speech by Roger Fragua from the Flower Hill Institute that highlighted the need for cooperation and compassion, instilling a sense of purpose and commonality that perfectly teed up a lovely happy hour reception.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Day 2 began with an update from tribal leaders and representatives on their current situations and concerns for the future. For much of our history, tribal voices have been excluded from the decision-making process, so it was deeply impactful to hear their perspectives shared with clarity, strength, and vision. Next on the agenda was a film screening of </span><em><span>What the River Knows&nbsp;</span></em><span>that not only shined a light on the environmental and cultural significance of Glen Canyon, but it gave the audience an opportunity to appreciate the raw beauty of the region through stunning cinematography and documentation. Rounding out day 2, presentations from state and federal officials uncovered the competing interests of the varied stakeholders that rely on the Colorado River. Despite some disagreements, the overarching theme of cooperation and understanding gave way to a sense of hope that an equitable agreement is within reach.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Bringing the conference to a close was a discussion on the long-term goals and aspirations for successful management of the Colorado River. Turning hindsight into foresight, this panel reflected one last time on where we came from and how those lessons of the past can empower us to achieve a brighter future and ensure the health of the Colorado River for generations to come.&nbsp;</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:13:35 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 800 at /center/gwc New GWC Scholarship Explores Renewables on Public Lands /center/gwc/2025/06/16/new-gwc-scholarship-explores-renewables-public-lands <span>New GWC Scholarship Explores Renewables on Public Lands</span> <span><span>Annie Carlozzi</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-06-16T09:40:07-06:00" title="Monday, June 16, 2025 - 09:40">Mon, 06/16/2025 - 09:40</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/center/gwc/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2025-06/Image%20for%20ABA%20Publication.JPG?h=4c599cb7&amp;itok=nMjDN62n" width="1200" height="800" alt="ABA Publication Photo"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/21"> Blog </a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/19"> Publications </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/153" hreflang="en">Energy Law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/63" hreflang="en">Environmental law</a> <a href="/center/gwc/taxonomy/term/133" hreflang="en">Public lands</a> </div> <span>Chris Winter and Obie Johnson</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p><span>The Getches-Wilkinson Center is pleased to announce the publication of a thought-provoking article,&nbsp;</span><em><span>“Facilitating a Green Future? Permitting Reforms and Renewables on Public Lands,”</span></em><span>&nbsp;co-authored by Chris Winter, Executive Director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center, and Obie Johnson, a Colorado Law student and Wyss Scholar.</span></p><p><span>The piece was featured as the lead article in the spring 2025 issue of the American Bar Association’s&nbsp;</span><em><span>Natural Resources &amp; Environment</span></em><span>&nbsp;journal and explores recent federal permitting reforms aimed at expanding renewable energy development on federal public lands. In recent years, the United States has accelerated its transition to a clean energy future, increasing the demand for new wind, solar, and transmission infrastructure. The article discusses many of the legal and policy initiatives spearheaded by the Biden Administration to facilitate the development of clean energy infrastructure on public lands.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span>Winter and Johnson highlight the tension between the development of clean energy infrastructure and the need to protect wildlife habitat and other natural resource values. They evaluate recent permitting reforms implemented under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and highlight how these new policies attempt to balance these important objectives across federal public lands.</span></p><p><span>Since the article was written, a new Administration that is less supportive of clean energy and conservation has taken office, prompting rapid changes to the legal and policy landscape. Despite these political dynamics, the long-term market trends still favor clean energy, though the full impacts of the Administration’s new policy agenda remain uncertain.</span></p><p><span>This publication reflects the GWC’s ongoing commitment to supporting scholarship and policy work that addresses the most pressing challenges in natural resources, energy, and environmental law. We are especially proud to highlight the contributions of student co-author Obie Johnson, whose work as a Wyss Scholar exemplifies the next generation of leadership in land conservation. The </span><a href="https://www.wyssfoundation.org/scholars" rel="nofollow"><span>Wyss Scholars Program</span></a><span> at Colorado Law School is made possible by the generous support and partnership of the Wyss Foundation.</span></p><p><span><strong>Read the full article online:</strong></span><br><a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/resources/natural-resources-environment/2025-spring/facilitating-green-future-permitting-reforms-renewables-public-lands/" rel="nofollow">Chris Winter and Obie Johnson,<span> Facilitating a Green Future? Permitting Reforms and Renewables on Public Lands</span>, ABA <span>Natural Resources &amp; Environment</span>, Vol. 39, No. 1 (2025)</a></p><p><span><strong>Read or download the full article PDF:</strong></span><br><a href="/center/gwc/media/638" rel="nofollow">Chris Winter and Obie Johnson, Facilitating a Green Future? Permitting Reforms and Renewables on Public Lands, ABA Natural Resources &amp; Environment, Vol. 39, No. 1 (2025)&nbsp;</a></p><p><span>To learn more about the GWC’s research and student programs, visit </span><a href="/center/gwc" rel="nofollow"><span>www.colorado.edu/center/gwc</span></a><span>&nbsp;or contact us directly.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:40:07 +0000 Annie Carlozzi 799 at /center/gwc