Environmental Law Reporter

A Companion to the ELI/NRDC Model State Law on Reducing Food Waste in K–12 Public Schools In April 2026, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and NRDC released a Model State Law on Reducing Food Waste in K–12 Public Schools, a template law that can be adapted and enacted by states to advance food waste reduction measures in kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) public schools.

Mini forests are taking root around the United States as part of state and municipal climate, stormwater management, and open space initiatives. These mini forests—also called “tiny,” “micro,” or “pocket” forests—are not simply rows of trees, but multi-layered ecosystems created by densely planting a diverse array of native trees, shrubs, and plants.

John Saylay Singbae II is a Lecturer in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences at the University of Liberia. His research expertise includes ocean governance, international environmental law, and international dispute settlement. John is also the Executive Director of the Cavalla Institute of Ocean Governance (CI-OG), an organization through which he has made significant contributions to ocean literacy in Liberia.

An ELI and International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement (INECE) Co-Sponsored Public Webinar Funded by the Environmental Governance Institute International (EGII) with support from the Wasserman/Slotkin Family Charitable DAF Environmental enforcement actions can be triggered in several ways, such as through complaints and inspections.

An ELI GreenTech Public Webinar Biofuels are a type of fuel derived from renewable biological sources, such as crops and animal waste. Using biofuels can lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in various hard-to-abate sectors. However, there are potential challenges with biofuel production, particularly as it relates to land use, water use, and the food supply.

As the world warms and existing mitigation and adaptation efforts fall short, some are advancing drastic measures with potential for unforeseen consequences at a global scale. In the past year, a new company called Stardust Solutions has made headlines with technology it claims could cool the planet.

An ELI Public Webinar Join the Environmental Law Institute for a special edition of our Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice series in celebration of DC Pro Bono Week. This installment will highlight different types of environmental pro bono programs in the United States. Panelists will discuss the wide array of opportunities to engage with environmental pro bono projects. Speakers will also share their personal experiences with pro bono work and answer audience questions.

An ELI Public Webinar Join the Environmental Law Institute and expert panelists for a comprehensive discussion of the science, technology, and legal considerations related to seabed mining activities conducted under U.S. law.

An ELI Public Webinar When designing and implementing environmental programming, engaging marginalized groups is increasingly recognized as a paramount consideration. A growing body of evidence and practice indicates that such consideration is important – not just because these groups need protection, but also because their engagement improves the sustainability and effectiveness of the programming and other measures of performance.

Senior Attorney; Director, International Programs By Kate Steingraber, Ella Stack, Susannah Dibble, Carl Bruch, Alexis Rivera, and Eki Ramadhan For years, including marginalized groups in environmental projects has been considered good practice, and there are increasing requirements both generally and for specific groups. A growing number of institutions have adopted policies mandating inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and other groups.