About the A.B. in Ecology: Environmental Policy & Law

Environmental policy involves laws and regulations pertaining to environmental issues including endangered species conservation, water and air pollution, waste management, and natural resource management. These policies often integrate social outcomes, such as their potential impact on human health and well-being.

Environmental law involves the study of regulatory programs in the United States, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, etc. Environmental lawyers often represent clients in environmentally-related cases, provide counsel for those drafting environmental policy, work for non-profit organizations or private sector companies and advise clients on issues such as compliance with environmentally-focused regulations.

The Odum School of Ecology has expertise in Policy Development and Outreach through the River Basin Center, and its associated faculty. Current policy-related projects occurring at the River Basin Center include: clean water compliance, policy in the face of sea level rise, and the ethics of water legislation in Brazil.

If you would like a science-focused career in public and international affairs or are interested in pursuing a Juris Doctor degree, consider this track!