Natural Resources Committee (2 positions)

Tristan Parker

Personal Statement:
I am running for re-election as a student representative on the Natural Resources Committee. I have always been interested in environmental and natural resource law. As a Master’s student in International Relations in Australia, I was able to study the pervasive effects of imminent environmental and natural resource crises facing today’s world. This past summer I had the opportunity to put my interests and experiences into practice, as a legal intern for a multinational oil corporation in Cape Town, South Africa. Through this internship, I gained exposure to some of the legal issues specific to business in one of the world’s most resource-rich and dynamic continents, as I assisted with the legal department’s world-class compliance program, and international environmental stewardship. Environmental and natural resource issues pose unique, transboundary challenges to the global community, which demand a collaborative response. Lewis &Clark Law School is one of the few institutions in the world that can provide students with the skills required to address these challenges on a local and an international level. The Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program is what drew me to Lewis & Clark Law School, and I would relish the opportunity to continue to assist the committee in maintaining the standard of excellence which makes the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program the best in the country.

Goals:
The Natural Resources Committee plays an important role in shaping the Natural Resources and Environmental Law curriculum at the law school. If I am re-elected as a member of the committee, I would continue to work to uphold the diverse selection of coursework in environmental and natural resource law, while maintaining a dialogue with the student body regarding future courses and the selection of speakers and distinguished visitors. I have noticed a growing demand in the student body for courses that reflect the nexus between business, international, and environmental law, which is an issue I have raised on the committee and will continue to pursue if elected.  Moreover, as a student representative on the Sustainability Sub-Committee, I would like to continue providing assistance in the law school’s efforts to improve the energy efficiency of Wood Hall, the only LEED certified building on campus.

Ryan Shannon

Personal Statement:
Although I am a 1L here at Lewis & Clark Law School I have already become actively involved with sustainability on campus. Within the first few weeks of arriving at school I worked with Kurt Armstrong, the head of facilities on campus, to allocate money to purchase and install the hand driers you now see in Wood Hall and the LRC. I also have been involved with the sustainability council here at the Law School and continue to attend their meetings and suggest new ideas and initiatives.

Here are just a few of the ideas that I would like to pursue going forward. First, the Lewis and Clark campus has a program called DECK that monitors the energy used on campus. I would like to undertake a study to see where and how we may better conserve energy. As of right now Wood Hall is far and away the biggest consumer on campus and I believe there is something that can be done about this. In addition to being a sustainable initiative I think this will end up being the right fiscal decision for the school as well. An important thing to consider as the school actively tries to lower the number of incoming students in the coming years.

Second, while there are ways that the institution as a whole can work on sustainability, it cannot do it alone. Individual actions and habits on campus have a strong impact on our campus’s overall sustainability. I would like to put a weekly “personal sustainability tip” into the daily law school announcements. This would require little work and would provide individuals with general advice on how they can improve their own personal habits to accord more with sustainability.

I believe as a member of the Natural Resource Committee I can help improve this campus as a whole along with its curriculum. As a 1L I have the advantage of still having three years left on campus. Three years were I can help develop projects and see them through to fruition.

I believe that as a law school that puts a special emphasis on environmental and natural resource law, and as individuals, we have a responsibility to make informed sustainable decisions. I want to see Lewis & Clark Law School become not only a leader in environmental and natural resource law but also a leader in better environmental practices.

Thank you for your consideration,
Ryan Shannon

Goals:
My primary goal, as of right now, is to have the School firmly commit to a retrofit of Wood Hall next summer. Currently Wood Hall is consuming more energy than any other building on campus which is both an environmental and economic concern. I already have met with the facilities staff and many interested faculty members and would love to see this through. There are many grants and funding opportunities available which should reduce the cost in addition to the money the school will save on utilities.

Daniel Rottenberg

Personal Statement:
I chose to attend Lewis & Clark Law School in large part due to the reputation of the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program. It would be an honor to help influence the renowned program’s trajectory. I will bring passion, dedication, and valuable practical experience to both the Natural Resources Committee and SBA General Assembly.

An undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon equipped me with an in-depth knowledge of natural resource issues and innovative solutions to the challenges we face. This understanding will be useful to the committee’s work recommending the courses for continuation and new courses for consideration by the curriculum committee.

Having served two years as Environmental Advocate for the nonprofit Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO), I know how to be an effective liaison between students and greater organizational structures. I am proud of the work we accomplished as far as substantive policy while I was environmental advocate, but more notable may be the bridge built between student leaders and the administration regarding natural resource issues. Having additionally served as the University of Oregon Outdoor Program’s Sustainability Coordinator, I am well prepared to work on sustainability issues for the law school.

From a practical standpoint, my work at the ASUO allowed me to serve on a number of campus committees making substantive policy decisions and tough choices regarding allocation of finances. Over two years I served on the Student Sustainability Advisory Committee, EMU Sustainability Committee, and the Environmental Issues Committee. Each of these committees, two of which were student/faculty, reviewed campus operating protocol and proposals to improve efficiency and environmental education. I will utilize this hands-on knowledge as the committee designs and approves campus natural resource related activities.

My professional skills and experience obtained after graduation will also be helpful to the committee. As a District Representative for Oregon’s First Congressional District, natural resources were part of my portfolio and I became well versed not only in the policy effecting our region’s natural resources but also the various stakeholder positions.

I hope this background in academic, committee, advocacy, and government work on environmental issues throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest can be of service to the SBA Natural Resources Committee.

Goals:
If elected I will work to ensure Lewis & Clark maintains it’s reputation as the premier destination for environmental and natural resource law. Considering which courses to continue and researching potential new courses that may increase student marketability will be a top priority. I will collaborate with other students and faculty to design the most pertinent curriculum possible. If elected I will make sure our annual environmental law events live up to and exceed expectations.

Thank you for your consideration.