From Superfund to Solar: Prof. Michael Gerrard on the Evolution of Environmental Law

About this episode

Michael Gerrard discusses the evolution of environmental law and its current focus on energy transition and infrastructure development.

Environmental law has shifted dramatically over the last few decades. What started as a battle against pollution and hazardous waste has evolved into a massive sector focused on the energy transition and infrastructure development. Michael Gerrard shares stories from his 30-year career in private practice, including his work on the environmental permitting for the World Trade Center redevelopment after 9/11. Key Takeaways: Rebuilding History: The unique challenges of managing environmental review for the World Trade Center site. The Energy Transition: How the field is moving from "anti-pollution" lawsuits to facilitating the construction of renewable energy and transmission. Collaborative Practice: The intellectual reward of working alongside engineers, hydrologists, and biologists to solve complex problems. The "Adjacent" Fields: Why students should look into Water Law (especially in the West) and Toxic Torts. (00:00) - Introduction: Why Environmental Law is the Most Tangible Field (02:45) - From West Virginia to Big Law: Michael Gerrard’s Career Path (05:45) - Case Study: Permitting the World Trade Center Redevelopment After 9/11 (07:23) - Myth Buster: Do You Need a Science…

People in this episode

Guest: Michael Gerrard

Topics covered

• Environmental Law
• Energy Transition
• Infrastructure Development
• Pollution Control
• Legal Practice
• Career Path

Keywords

• environmental law
• energy transition
• World Trade Center
• pollution
• infrastructure
• legal career
• permitting
• NGOs
• law firms

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Bar Association

Books & works: Clean Air Act, Water Law, Toxic Torts

Places: World Trade Center

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