Rutgers Law

601:739  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (2)

Course Overview

In this two-credit course, students will explore the historical foundations, current developments, and practical skills relevant to environmental justice (EJ) as an area of law and policy. As both a principle and practice within the broader frameworks of environmental and civil rights law, EJ can be understood as a right of all people—regardless of income, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin—to live, work, learn, and recreate in a clean and healthy environment. However, low-wealth communities and communities of color are well-known to experience disproportionately higher degrees of pollution and lesser shares of environmental benefits than their neighbors. In this course, students will be introduced to the key pillars of U.S. environmental law and its intersection with civil rights law while exploring the recent advancements in EJ as a practice of environmental governance at the state and federal levels. Through readings and discussion, students will also consider EJ as a social movement with newfound ability to influence governmental and non-governmental actors.

Course Concepts and Areas of Skill Development

Historical foundation and development of environmental justice as a field of study and practice, through evaluation of key federal and state legal, regulatory, and policy developments

The role of environmental, property, land use, and other laws and policies in the creation of environmental injustice

The relationship of environmental justice to issues of social justice and climate justice

Roles of lawyers in evaluating and responding to environmental justice issues and conflicts across lawyering contexts (e.g., governmental, corporate, nongovernmental, and private practice)

Legal and non-legal remedies for environmental injustice and their practical implementation

Advocacy skills, including strategic and tactical considerations, as varied by lawyering context

Non-legal supports that enable effective EJ advocacy and practice, including interdisciplinary capacity, community engagement, and coalition building

Student opportunities for practical engagement in EJ