Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program
Uniquely situated in the heart of Silicon Valley and part of one of the world’s preeminent research universities, Stanford’s award-winning Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program (ENRLP) has earned its reputation as a leading program for education and research in this dynamic field. Indeed, with a nationally renowned faculty praised for its cutting-edge research and practice, the program has revolutionized environmental education.
Our students develop their skills in analyzing and solving problems through situational case studies, learn effective teamwork through Stanford’s Environmental Law Clinic, and master mediation and multiparty negotiation techniques through in-class simulations. Our clinical programs and courses foster collaborative solutions to real-world problems. Many of our courses involve other Stanford departments, and all integrate multidisciplinary materials. The program also provides access to a broad spectrum of practitioners, regulators, and academics in Silicon Valley and beyond, and to hands-on involvement in research, environmental advocacy, and collaborative dialogues. Beyond the classroom, our students pursue a wide array of extracurricular activities, such as membership in the Stanford Environmental Law Journal and the Environmental Law Society.
Stanford Law School graduates pursue a variety of distinguished careers in environmental and natural resources law. Our alumni currently hold positions—covering the spectrum from staff attorney to executive leadership—at national environmental organizations, federal and state agencies, the White House, major corporations, law firms with strong environmental practices, and academia.
Check out our exciting courses in the 2023-2024 academic year!

Spring Newsletter
The Spring 2023 newsletter highlights the Climate and Energy Policy Program (CEPP), a partnership between Stanford Law School and Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. CEPP engages in research and policy analysis with government, environmental justice, and Tribal Nation partners. Current areas of focus include:
- Analyzing and addressing legal obstacles to equitable building decarbonization;
- Furthering understanding of wildfire and wildfire smoke risk, and developing mitigation and resilience approaches responsive to the unique concerns of vulnerable populations and considerate of the cultural perspectives and practices of Tribal Nations in California; and
- Policy approaches to ensure a clean and resilient grid and a just and fair energy transition in California.
Stanford Environmental Law Clinic and Program Blogs

Congress Poised to Mandate Continued Sales of Leaded Aviation Gasoline
(Originally published by The Hill on August 22, 2023) On a breezy day in April, Violet Wulf-Saena, founder and executive director of the non-profit Climate Resilient Communities, stood at Cooley Landing Park in East Palo Alto, a popular recreation spot on the shore of San Francisco Bay. Violet was there as…
Read MoreRecent Work
Recent Press by the ENRLP Team
The Great Salt Lake is shrinking rapidly and Utah has failed to stop it, a new lawsuit says
Associated Press
Still, most state supreme courts have been silent or rejected the California court’s view, said Barton H. Thompson Jr., a professor of natural resources law at Stanford Law School. “If the Utah state supreme court were to use it to protect the water levels in the Great Salt Lake, that…
Read MoreHawaiian Electric Shares Soar After It Deflects Blame For Lahaina Fires
Held v. Montana Is a Historic Victory for Climate Action—but Also Human Rights
California Supreme Court rejects Monterey County ban on new oil, gas drilling
The Fight to Save the Town: A review of the new book by Michelle Wilde Anderson
Stanford Environmental News
Looking for more stories about the environment, energy and sustainability? Check out the latest news from some of Stanford's many environmental institutes and centers!