Why you should come to the ELS screening of "Gasland" (Thurs. 3/31, 12:45pm, WA10)

Thursday, March 31 * 12:45-2:00pm * Room WA10

Gas drilling in New York? I thought that only happened in other places.  Lured by rising gas prices, oil and gas companies like Exxon and BP are at New York's doorstep, clamoring for access to underground reserves throughout the state and demanding the right to blast millions of gallons of chemically-treated water into the earth to extract the gas. This controversial technique is known as "hydraulic fracturing." And if it sounds scary, that's because it is. Of particular interest to oil and gas companies is a geologic formation known as the Marcellus Shale, which stretches primarily from New York to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

What? They want to blast millions of gallons of water laced with chemicals into the ground? Yes. What's more, the companies won't tell us what chemicals they're using. And that may end up being the least of our problems. Once the oil and gas companies are done with the water, it's even more contaminated, sometimes even radioactive. If not handled properly, this wastewater can poison drinking water wells and public water supplies. Not to mention the air pollution, heavy truck traffic, and destruction of forests that comes with all of this industrial activity.





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Environmental Law Society screening of "Gasland"

Environmental Law Society screening of "Gasland"

Environmental Law Society screening of "Gasland"

ELS Executive Board nominations due Friday, April 1st- We Need Candidates!

In less than three semesters, the Environmental Law Society of New York Law School has gone from a non-existant, dormant Society to one with over 80 members! We have hosted public speakers, screened environmental documentaries, participated in community service and research projects, and successfully petitioned the NYLS administration to add more environmental law courses to our curriculum.

This is because our Members care and so does our Executive Board. Now its your chance to step up!

If you would like to run for an E-Board position, please submit a "STATEMENT OF INTEREST" to Jose Almanzar (jose.almanzar@law.nyls.edu) BY FRIDAY, APRIL 1ST, 11:59PM. The Statement should include: your name, your current year at NYLS and a brief statement (1-2 para.) expressing your interest in one of the positions and why you are qualified for that position.

Electronic elections will be held the following week from April 8th - April 9th.

Below please find a description of each position and its responsibilities. If you have any questions, please contact Jose Almanzar (jose.almanzar@law.nyls.edu). Thank you!




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EPA Proposes Nation's First Emissions Standards for Power Plants

This is long over-due, no?

Earlier this week the EPA proposed the first national standards for the emissions of mercury and other pollutants from coal-burning power plants. This rule could lead to the early closing of a number of power plants (this is probably a good thing!).

My question is "why did this take so long?!"

As the EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, put it "[t]oday's announcement is 20 years in the making..."

China unveils economic plan with focus on raising incomes and reining in pollution

BEIJING — China’s leaders unwrapped a new five-year economic blueprint on Saturday that set ambitious goals to raise ordinary people’s incomes, rein in pollution and energy use, and build advanced-science industries in fields like biotechnology and environmental protection.

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Environmental Law Society meeting next Tuesday (3/8), 12:50pm-1:50pm in W303

Mark your calendars! The Environmental Law Society of New York Law School will be hosting a General Membership Meeting next Tuesday, March 8th from 12:50pm-1:50pm in room W303.

On the Agenda: new environmental law courses at NYLS; internships and jobs; PlaNYC 2030; tree planting; West Virginia Law's Energy Moot Court Competition; "Gasland" and "Last Mountain"; Mike Gerrard; 2011-2012 ELS EBoard elections; and more!

Join us! Come with ideas! SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED!

If you have any questions or would like to add something to the agenda, please contact Jose Almanzar (jose.almanzar@law.nyls.edu).

Climate Change in Real Estate and Business Transactions

You ask and you shall receive.


Last semester, Environmental Law Society students requested that NYLS administration take a look at its academic curriculum and consider adding more environmental law-related courses.


Our message was heard! Next fall NYLS will be offering a new climate change course, Climate Change in Real Estate and Business Transactions.


Wohoo!