Conquering Peaks, Defying Odds: Saul Luciano Lliuya, “The Hero of the Andes”

January 25, 2024January 25, 2024

Conquering Peaks, Defying Odds: Saul Luciano Lliuya, “The Hero of the Andes”

By Maria LeLourec

After Dean Randall Abate shared the inspiring climate justice story of Saul Luciano Lliuya, who is Peruvian like us, we became enchanted and did not hesitate to answer in the affirmative when he asked if Fiorella and I could interview him in the deep Andes of Peru. We knew that it was going to be challenging to prepare for this interview due to final exams, the holidays, and the remoteness of the area, but we happily accepted this exciting challenge.

December 28, 2023February 21, 2024

Clean Air Act § 303 Coming into the Limelight

Part 1: Legislative History and a Recounting of § 303 Uses

By Johanna Adashek

The Clean Air Act contains what can be considered an “Emergency Provision” or a “Substantial Endangerment Provision” that provides EPA with the authority to unilaterally issue orders to polluters substantially endangering the public health, welfare, or the environment. This broad and versatile power, while not frequently used, has demonstrated the potential to combat ongoing or imminent hazards from further harming the public or the environment. This post will review the legislative history of § 303 beginning with the emergency provision in the Air Quality Act of 1967 to the Clean Air Act of 1970 and two subsequent Clean Air Act amendments. After detailing how Congress has strengthened the emergency provision in Clean Air Act § 303, this post will then recount EPA’s use of § 303 over the past half century.

December 7, 2023December 8, 2023

Tesla and Greenwashing

By Maria LeLourec

Tesla’s Eco-Friendly Claims: Fact or Fiction?

Led by its CEO, Elon Musk, Tesla Inc. has garnered widespread acclaim for its role in revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) industry and promoting renewable energy, the reduction of carbon emissions, and a more sustainable future.^[1] The company’s eco-friendly image, however, is belied by accusations of greenwashing, with critics arguing that Tesla has exaggerated its environmental achievements to enhance its public image.^[2]

November 16, 2023December 19, 2023

New GW Alliance Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability Brings Change to GW Law’s Energy Program

President Granberg’s inaugural address on November 4, 2023 foretold “a revolutionary next step in how our students and faculty conduct and develop innovative research, advocacy, and coursework in sustainability.” That step, the founding of The GWU Alliance for a Sustainable Future was officially announced in GW Today on November 15. The GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future is a big, bold, university-wide initiative that will bring together all members of the GW community who support climate change and sustainability work, forming a powerful strategic alliance of research institutes, academic programs, organizations, and individuals dedicated to the shared mission of combating climate change and promoting healthy and thriving resource systems for all. Under one GW banner, the Alliance will amplify GW’s commitment to climate and sustainability work and increase its global impact.

November 9, 2023November 15, 2023

The Second Annual J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law

By Claudia Delgado

On October 26, 2023, GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program hosted its second annual J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law. This lecture celebrates the vision and leadership of Professor Arnold Reitze, who founded and directed GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program from 1970-2008. The Shapiro Distinguished Lecture brings globally recognized environmental experts to Washington D.C. to address cutting-edge issues on climate change and energy law.

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