Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies

In the second episode of the Environmental Laws and Regulations for Emerging Microplastics series, Shannon Edmonds and Rachel Henke, both of Roux Associates, discuss the presence of microplastics in the environment, including the lifecycle and sources of microplastics. This podcast series is moderated by Kevin Minoli and Leland Frost, attorneys with the law firm of Alston & Bird, LLP.

In the first episode of the Environmental Laws and Regulations for Emerging Microplastics Concerns podcast series, Carroll Muffett explains the fundamentals of microplastics and the history of the plastic industry. Carroll Muffett is President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). This podcast series is moderated by Kevin Minoli and Leland Frost, attorneys with the law firm of Alston & Bird, LLP.

David Coursen discusses his career at the EPA, where he worked on tribal matters in the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's, with Cynthia Harris, staff attorney and Director of Tribal Programs at the Environmental Law Institute and past member of the Section's Leadership Development Program. This podcast was recorded in late 2020.

Chuck Elkins discusses his career at the EPA, where he held 10 different senior management positions between 1971 and 1995, with JD Howard, an associate at Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP and past member of the Section's Leadership Development Program. This podcast was recorded in late 2020.

This podcast episode addresses recent US Supreme Court decisions and ongoing litigation before the Court regarding the interaction of surface water and groundwater. Three recent United States Supreme Court cases — the decisions in County of Maui v. Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and Mississippi v. Tennessee, and the ongoing litigation before the Supreme Court in Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado — reflect the slow but inevitable changes to the traditional legal framework surrounding federal consideration of surface water and groundwater interaction. Our guest is Kathy Robb, the author of an article discussing these cases and related issues.

Keith Tashima, Environmental Safety & Health Counsel at Lockheed Martin Corporation, is interviewed by Peter Keays, Shareholder at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Shiller, about his recent transition from the DOJ to his current in-house position. Keith discusses a range of issues, including the challenges presented by his new role, his strategies for success, and tips for outside counsel working with new in-house counsel. This episode is the second in a series that explores the perspectives, role, and daily lives of in-house environmental counsel. The views expressed by Keith and Peter reflect their personal experiences and observations and are not those of their clients, firm, or employer.

In this episode, Heather Tanana and John Ruple (S.J. Quinney College of Law – University of Utah) discuss their recent NR&E article. Climate change is a global environmental problem, and within the United States, the adverse impacts of our changing climate are falling disproportionately on minority and low-income communities. Native Americans and tribal communities are being impacted in unique ways because of their long and deep ties to landscapes that are subject to rapid environmental changes. The hosts highlight the federal government's legal obligations to protect Native Americans and the lands they occupy as well as the disproportionate impacts climate change is having on tribal communities. Based on a review of over 100 articles and other publications on the nexus between science and law, they identify recommendations on how to better synchronize science and policy to address climate change, including the recognition and utilization of indigenous science.

Barry Breen, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of the EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management, discusses his career at the EPA with Emily Mott, senior associate at Baker Botts LLP and past member of the Section's Leadership Development Program. This podcast was recorded in late 2020.

In 1990, Congress amended the Clean Air Act with Title VI, with provisions for protecting the ozone layer. In this program David Doniger and host Matt Oakes discuss the history and successful implementation of Title VI and the Montreal Protocol.

The sun emits radiation, including harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer absorbs a portion of the sun's radiation, preventing it from reaching the planet's surface. In 1985, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone shield over Antarctica. This discovery led to an international convention that laid the groundwork for the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol is designed to reduce the consumption and production of substances harmful to the ozone layer. The United States implemented the Montreal Protocol by passing Title VI of the Clean Air Act. Title VI uses market-based mechanisms to phase out production of ozone-depleting substances. Because of the Montreal Protocol and laws such as CAA Title VI, concentrations of ozone-depleting gases in the atmosphere have significantly declined. Our guest David Doniger helped to formulate the Montreal Protocol and relevant Clean Air Act amendments. This podcast will focus on the story behind the legal response to the ozone hole.

Jessica Sharrow Thompson, Senior Counsel, EHS & Sustainability at PPG, is interviewed by Evynn Overton, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C., about the biggest surprises, challenges, and opportunities when making the switch from private practice to an in-house counsel role. This episode is the first in a series on the perspective and role of in-house counsel in environmental law.