Environmental Student Groups

Informed, engaged students are the hallmark of Lewis & Clark's program. Students are actively engaged in virtually every aspect of the law school, including representation on curriculum, faculty and budget committees. In addition, a large proportion of students are active in student-founded and run environmental and natural resources groups, including:

Coalition Advocating Transportation Sensibility (CATS), which successfully advocated for a comprehensive shuttle service for law students in neighborhoods surrounding the law school, to reduce carbon emissions from students driving to school. CATS members have worked with the Bicycle Transportation Alliance to draft bike-friendly legislation, and even engaged in litigation in attempts to prevent imprudent campus parking space development. CATS has also instituted numerous programs, including a towel program for bikers and runners, a community orange bike program, and a community bike repair kit.

Environmental Justice Advocates, encouraging students to tackle issues relating to environmental equity. One of the newest of the student groups, EJA put on a well-attended regional Environmental Justice Conference in March.

Environmental Law Caucus, one of the oldest environmental law societies in the country, sponsoring a vibrant colloquium series throughout the school year. Speakers this year included environmental activists, litigators, practitioners and economists.

Northwest Environmental Defense Center, an independent non-profit organization providing legal support to individuals and grassroots organizations with environmental concerns, provides valuable hands-on experience for students seeking to enhance their education in environmental law. Students can participate in four broad areas of emphasis: water, air and toxics, wetlands, and forests and public lands. Current projects include monitoring National Forest timber sales, reviewing storm-water and pollution discharge permit compliance, and watch-dogging governmental agencies.

Public Interest Law Project, which raises funds for summer internship stipends for students working in public interest organizations which otherwise could not afford their help. PILP's primary goals are two-fold: (1) providing summer stipends for students working in public interest law; and (2) establishing a loan repayment program for graduates choosing to pursue in careers in the public interest profession. In 2001, PILP's gala auction raised more than $50,000 for the program.

Student Advocates for Business and Environmental Responsibilities (SABER), whose mission is to work with land and business owners to accomplish environmental goals. SABER combines business and environmental interests and uses the expertise of students and professionals in these areas to accomplish goals that are both economically achievable and environmentally sustainable.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund, the oldest student chapter of the national Animal Legal Defense Fund, hosts an annual Animal Law Conference, brings speakers to campus, assists attorneys with animal rights cases, and stays involved in the Portland animal rights community.