The clinic’s emphasis on equity issues in shaping the state’s energy future — and in particular, the need to avoid further pollution in environmental justice communities — in 2020 took the form of an extensive ELC comment letter on implementation of Senate Bill 100, key legislation pushing California toward a renewable energy future. 12/20
ELC advocacy helps push state energy-related agencies to fully decarbonize the grid
Jack Chang ’20: Who’s on the Hook for Refinery Accidents?
We believe that people deserve to know whether fossil fuel companies can pay for their mistakes. As it turns out, after two months of digging, we finally were able to obtain Phillips 66’s insurance documents at the California Office of Spill Prevention and Response, a branch of the state’s Fish and Wildlife Department that protects waterways. 11/6/20
ELC joins fight against Formosa petrochemicals plant; Army Corps suspends permit
In October 2020, ELC filed a proposed amicus brief in federal district court on behalf of the Louisiana environmental justice groups Concerned Citizens of Saint Johns and Justice and Beyond, opposing the construction permit for a huge plastics production and petrochemical complex in the highly polluted area known as “Cancer Alley” or “Death Alley.” 10/20
Clinic-assisted cosmetics safety bill enacted as nation’s strongest disclosure law
The “Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act” was signed into law after two years of work by ELC students, who partnered with client Breast Cancer Prevention Partners to force public disclosure of known-toxic ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. Director Claudia Polsky discussed the bill in this San Francisco Chronicle op-ed. 10/1/20
Clinic Celebrates Progress Towards an Equitable Microgrid Policy
Teaching Fellow Heather Lewis on a California Public Utilities Commission decision about developing microgrids in communities of color and low-income communities, Legal Planet, 6/26/20
Alyssa Cheung M.P.P. ’21: Microgrids Will Save Lives and Green the Golden State
If the state wants to truly protect its most vulnerable, and also meet its ambitious climate goals, the state and its and electric utilities must ensure that microgrids benefit disadvantaged communities as quickly as possible.
Sarae Snyder ’21: PG&E’s Power Shut-Offs Exacerbate Existing Inequities
As utilities such as Pacific Gas & Electric continue to power society with failing infrastructure due to decades of mismanagement, Public Safety Power Shutoffswill continue to be the reality during California’s fire seasons for the foreseeable future.
Clinical Supervising Attorney Roger Lin Discusses Environmental Justice on KPFA’s “Rude Awakening”
“Rude Awakening,” KPFA (7/12 interview starts at 21:20)
Clinic Advocates for the Health of Low-Income Communities and Communities of Color
Environmental Law Clinic, 6/12/20
Judge: EPA Must Update 26-Year-Old Plan for Offshore Oil Spills
Environmental Law Clinic and Center for Biological Diversity