The Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project (DDPP) projects a doubling of U.S. demand for electricity by 2050, even accounting for increased energy efficiency and conservation. In two DDPP scenarios, this demand would be met by significant increases in nuclear, wind, and solar energy by 2050. The High Nuclear Scenario involves more than 400 gigawatts of nuclear, four times current capacity. The Mixed Scenario involves approximately 200 gigawatts of nuclear, or two times current capacity.

Humanity’s quest to achieve orderly mitigation of and adaptation to climate change is dependent upon the just application of the environmental rule of law—the legal framework that protects and sustains the environment on which life depends. A 3+ degree world of collapsing ecosystems will arrive within the century, unless the environmental rule of law is enforced.

This Comment is a compendium of select recent cases pertaining to water in Africa, and details how these cases have contributed to the interpretation of the legal framework within which water is utilized and protected as a “common good.” The most notable issues dealt with in these cases include the use and protection of water as a common good; how other rights, such as the right to property, interface with the use and protection of water; and important jurisdictional questions on the most appropriate forum for adjudicating water

Although major progress has been made in water management compared with the sometimes dramatic situation in the 1960s and 1970s, much has still to be done to achieve the ambitious objectives of European Union (EU) water law. Climate change is adding an extra challenge. Additional measures should be taken, and continuous investment in upgrading and maintaining water treatment systems, together with an environmentally friendly management of water systems, will be on the agenda for many years.

In a historic ruling that began to shape the solution to a conflict that has been going on for more than 70 years, the Supreme Court of Argentina ordered in 2017 that the province of Mendoza, together with the province of La Pampa, should allocate the water flow of the Atuel River within 30 days in order to enable restoration of the ecosystem that was affected in the northwest of La Pampa by the Los Nihuiles dams. In the ruling, the Argentine high court ordered that the two provinces, together with the national government, submit a work plan for allocation of the waters of the Atuel River.

The main proposition of this Comment, which focuses on the Brazilian experience and the jurisprudence of the National High Court of Brazil (STJ), is that we must develop a water justice system. To some extent, this would be a novel concept, aggregating not just traditional principles of water and environmental law, policy, and management—like the polluter-pays, user-pays, and precautionary principles—but one that would also embrace new and strengthen existing legal perspectives, such as recognition of the intrinsic public nature of water and the principle in dubio pro aqua.

Mississippi has 47 animal species federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. That list includes all types of animals, from whales to mollusks, but it does not include the Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis). This is notable because the Pearl River map turtle is considered endangered or perhaps critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and trade of the map turtle is restricted by international treaty—the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora—at the request of the United States.

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke's review of 27 national monuments has focused new attention on the Antiquities Act of 1906. Two recent proclamations by President Trump reducing existing Utah monuments, and the potential for further actions by the president and Congress, may substantially affect the future shape and effect of this important law. On December 7, 2017, ELI held a seminar to explore presidential and congressional authority in declaring and modifying national monuments.

One of the greatest impacts of climate change on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed will be the need for stormwater management. With green infrastructure, the Chesapeake region is in position to take national leadership on the issue of climate change impacts to vulnerable coastal communities and to demonstrate resiliency in the face of change. This Article examines and addresses potential legal obstacles and describes the most promising pathways within the existing legal framework.

New buildings constructed today can be expected to remain in use well beyond 2050. As a result, thoughtful decisions now can have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of buildings for decades to come. Buildings use about 40% of energy produced in the United States and are responsible for about 30% of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions, making carbon emissions from buildings a priority for reduction. Substantial progress has been made in making new buildings more energy efficient, and technology is available that would allow for major additional reductions.