The Fordham Environmental Law Review (ELR) publishes three volumes annually, addressing topics in environmental law, legislation and public policy. ELR also sponsors an annual symposium featuring scholarly papers and panel discussions centered on an environmental issue.

Since its inception, ELR has explored a broad range of domestic and international environmental issues ranging from the regulation of air, water, and soil pollution, to social policy issues such as corporate responsibility and environmental racism. Although environmental law touches upon almost all areas of legal scholarship, from torts to constitutional law, the issues and problems posed by environmental jurisprudence are unique. For example, industry and trade associations now routinely challenge environmental laws as being unconstitutional, and challenge environmental regulations as being promulgated and enforced under an improper use of administrative authority. On several recent occasions, foreign nations, under the auspices of the World Trade Organization have requested that the U.S. modify its environmental laws and regulations to comply with international trade treaties. Many of ELR’s Notes and Articles examine these challenges and track the evolving body of international, federal, state and local environmental law.

Staff members receive training in all aspects of ELR’s publication and are strongly encouraged to write and publish a Note or Comment. ELR’s Writing & Research Editor, along with the Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief, work with students to help develop and edit Notes and Comments for publication. Note writing guidelines and timelines are provided to help guide the staff member’s progress.

ELR hosts an annual symposium each spring that draws leading scholars, lawmakers and regulatory officials in the environmental law field, as well as environmental advocates and concerned citizens. ELR recently hosted its annual symposium entitled Eye of the Storm: Hurricane Sandy Response and Rebuilding Strategies through the Lens of Environmental Justice. All staff members have an opportunity to participate in ELR’s annual symposium.