What is Environmental Law? What is Energy Law?

Environmental law, whether federal, state, local, or international, addresses our relationship to the natural world and our ability to create a sustainable future on the planet. 

Energy law focuses on technology development, financial incentives, and regulations to govern the extraction, use, and disposal of fossil and carbon-free energy resources. It also provides the foundation for the regulated markets that govern electric and gas utilities, power producers, and marketers to ensure low-cost, reliable, (and increasingly clean) energy for consumers. 

Environmental and Energy Leadership When We Need It Most

Since the earliest days of the environmental movement, Michigan Law has trained generations of lawyers committed to limiting pollution, protecting wildlife and natural resources, and addressing climate disruption and environmental racism. Our environmental and energy law program features groundbreaking scholarship, impact-driven clinical work, and one of the most robust curricular offerings of any top law school.

At Michigan Law, you will deepen your legal expertise with relevant clinical and pro bono work, multiple lecture series and conferences featuring top minds in environmental and energy law, and one of the top environmental and energy journals in the country. We also offer a dual degree with the School for Environment and Sustainability and interdisciplinary fellowships at the Graham Sustainability Institute.

Winter 2024 Course Offerings in Environmental and Energy Law

Law 534: Energy Law

Law 575: Public Lands and Natural Resources Law

Law 661: International Law of Climate Change

Law 679: Environmental Law and Policy

Law 740/001: Tribal Law (optional paper section 002)

Law 805: Environmental Justice

Law 930: Environmental Law and Sustainability Clinic

Law 930: Environmental Law and Sustainability Clinic Seminar

 

View the Class Schedule

View All Environmental and Energy Law Courses