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 2022-2023 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

The Supreme Court’s Clean Water Decision Is A Climate Decision
The Supreme Court recently decided to dramatically limit which wetlands are protected by the federal Clean Water Act. Not only is the Court’s decision out of touch with the realities of the water cycle, but it will also compromise one of our most important natural weapons in the fight against…
Read MoreEnvironmental Law Clinic Weighs in on EPA’s Effort to Reduce Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions
Environmental Law Clinic Pushes for Federal Ban on Leaded Aviation Gasoline
Wildlife Advocates Win Favorable CEQA Ruling in Challenge to Toxic Rodenticide
After 15-year Battle, Marin County Adopts Protections for Endangered Coho Salmon
ELC Challenges East Bay Attempt to Give Refineries a Second Life
Recent Work
The Bright Idea Podcast
The Bright Idea is a Stanford Law School podcast that highlights some of the most promising and inspirational work around the world in sustainability and conservation.
Listen to PodcastRecent Press by the ENRLP Team
State must set up local governments to fight poverty
San Francisco Chronicle
Michelle Wilde Anderson's book, The Fight to Save Our Town, was discussed by the San Francisco Chronicle in "State must set up local governments to fight poverty".
Read MoreStanford 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!