ENR 2010 Environmental Law

This survey course introduces the major federal and state laws that establish environmental standards and resource management requirements for energy-industry activities in Wyoming. An introduction to relevant constitutional and administrative law principles will be followed by study of the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Wyoming Environmental Quality Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and others. Wyoming case law and examples will be emphasized. (3 lect.)

Credits

3 credits

Transfer Status

Transferable to UW.

Major Topics

  • Introduction to constitutional and administrative law
  • National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and Federal Lands Policy Management Act (FLPMA) in relevant part
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
  • Endangered Species Act (ESA)
  • Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA)
  • Clean Air Act (CAA)
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)
  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
  • Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
  • Wyoming Environmental Quality Act
  • Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Act

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Describe the applicable constitutional principles defining the relationship of federal vs. state authority in environmental law.

2. Explain core principles of administrative law including brief overview of Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act.

3. Describe goals and key elements of NEPA and apply to examples.

4. Identify and describe the key provisions of NFMA and FLPMA that establish environmental standards.

5. Outline the history of the ESA, highlight the key provisions and apply to current Wyoming issues.

6. Describe history and goals of SMCRA and outline specific provisions related to environmental standards while applying to Wyoming examples.

7. Identify key provisions, explain respective role of federal and state agencies and describe application of the Clean Air Act in Wyoming.

8. Identify key provisions, explain respective role of federal and state agencies and describe application of the Clean Water Act in Wyoming.

9. Provide overview of RCRA and describe oil and gas exemptions.

10. Outline basic elements of CERCLA.

11. Describe requirements of EPCRA and relevance to hydraulic fracturing chemicals.

12. Describe Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and its application to Wyoming lands and energy-industry activities.

13. Outline major provisions of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Act, including the Wyoming Surface Owner Accommodation Act, and apply to Wyoming examples.