ENSC 380 - Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy

3 credits
This course provides an introduction to concepts, issues, and statutes in national and international environmental law. In addition to reviewing background constitutional provisions, students examine a representative selection of federal statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The class explores the differences between “Dillon Rule” states (like Virginia) and “Home Rule” states. Students consider the expanding field of multi-nation treaties, laws, and politics governing the global environment as they relate to significant contemporary issues such as global climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and transboundary air and water pollution. 3 lecture periods.

Prerequisite(s): ENSC 101 or GNED 162 or permission of instructor