A.  Overview
In this course, we will examine the role of government and citizens in formulating, implementing and enforcing environmental policy.  Using case studies, background readings, law cases and statutes, we will investigate the formal and informal mechanisms involved in controlling pollution and protecting the environment.  We will explore the respective roles of the courts, legislatures, and executive agencies in shaping U.S. environmental policy.  We will also consider the pros and cons of regulatory and economic approaches to pollution control.

B.  Course Responsibilities
Class members will be expected to have completed the session's reading and be prepared to comment on it. Each seminar member will be responsible for one class presentation of about an hour.  Discussion groups will be formed and will meet for an hour each week to review and discuss readings.  A research paper of about 15 pages will be required, unless the class chooses two research papers of eight pages each.  (Research paper guidelines will be distributed separately.)  There will be a final take-home problem-set.

C.  Required Text
Percival et al., Environmental Regulation: Law, Science and Policy, 3rd ed., 2000,
and 2002 supplement to be distributed in class ($10).

D.  Weekly Readings and Schedule
There will be approximately 100 pages of reading each week.  Discussion groups may divide and jointly review the readings.

Week 1 Introduction: Environmental Values and Policies
4/8-10  p. 1 - 101

Week 2 Sources of Environmental Law
4/15-17 p. 101 ­ 191
  general conferences on paper topics: please submit 10 sources

Week 3 Waste Management and Pollution Prevention I:  RCRA and Alternatives to
4/22-24 Conventional Regulatory Approaches
  p. 193 - 249, and 516  - 538

Week 4 Waste Management and Pollution Prevention II:  CERCLA
4/29-5/1 p. 263 - 340, and 361 - 372

Week 5 Regulation of Toxic Substances
5/6-8  p. 373 - 515 (OK to divide and share reading)

Week 6 Air Pollution Control
5/13-15 p. 539 -620
  first draft research paper due

Week 7 Water Pollution Control
5/20-22 p. 623 - 680; 690 - 733; and 752 -758
  first draft conferences

Week 8 Environmental Enforcement
5/28-29 p.  985 - 1080 (there will be a make-up class in place of Mem. Day)
  final draft of research paper due

Week 9 NEPA and Conclusion
6/3-5  p. 839 - 889 and 1203 - 1237
  final draft conferences

E.  Research and Writing Project
The research paper's subject will be one of each person's choosing, but should be closely related to one of the topics covered in the seminar.  The organization, format, and content of the paper should be similar to a short note in a scholarly journal.  The paper should be about 15 double spaced word-processed pages, excluding footnotes.  Choose a topic that will engage you in the research and writing.

The paper should trace the development of an issue in environmental policy/law through the various stages in the policy cycle and /or the trial and appellate proceedings.  The paper should summarize any current debate or controversy over this area of policy, describe alternative approaches to resolving the issue, and present the writer's rationale for choosing a preferred alternative.

The first draft should contain all your research.  You should use the time between the two drafts to clarify, refine and better organize your paper, rather than to do additional research.  Seminar members will have different degrees of experience with writing a research paper.  Less experienced students should connect with Armin early in the quarter to discuss the most effective ways of approaching the research and writing.

F.  Communality
The first few minutes of every class meeting will be available for "feedback".  Use this time to air any questions or problems.  Do not let yourself be intimidated by the material, the instructor or other students.  All questions are valid.  Frequently, the answer  to a question will not be on anyone's fingertips.  Armin will make every effort to research a question or problem before the next meeting.  There may be a class gathering (potluck meal, game) at Yost House early in the quarter.  These gatherings have been enjoyable in the past and everyone is encouraged to attend.

G.  Grade Calculation

Research Paper - 50 %
Presentation and participation - 30%
Take-home problem-set - 20%