Research Reports

ELI publishes Research Reports available for free download that present the analysis and conclusions of the policy studies ELI undertakes to improve environmental law and policy. These reports contribute to education of the profession and disseminate diverse points of view and opinions to stimulate a robust and creative exchange of ideas. Those publications, which express opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Institute, its Board of Directors, or funding organizations, exemplify ELI’s commitment to dialogue with all sectors.
ELI
November 2002

The two-year Proyecto de Municipios Sustentables ProMuS 2001 (Project for Sustainable Mexican Municipalities) was designed to provide practical and theoretical training on implementing an environmental management system (EMS) to three Mexican municipalities. The primary goal of the project was to implement an EMS at one or more facilities in each of the participating municipalities. The project also sought to develop EMS training materials that would facilitate the implementation of EMSs in other operations and in other Mexican municipalities.

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Byron Swift, Environmental Law Institute
September 2002

This report assesses actual experience under the two principal forms of inter-firm emissions credit trading programs used today: emission reduction credit (ERC) trading used for new source offsets under the Clean Air Act (CAA), and discrete emissions reduction (DER) credit programs created in six states since 1995. The report makes a qualitative review of ERC offset programs, and a comprehensive review of state DER programs.

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Tobie Bernstein
September 2002

Strengthening U.S.-Mexico Transboundary Environmental Enforcement: Legal Strategies for Preventing the Use of the Border as a Shield Against Liability analyzes key legal issues that arise when pursuing formal enforcement actions against those that attempt to use the border as a shield. Underlying the discussion is the recognition that cooperation and coordination between U.S. and Mexican officials are critical importance in transboundary enforcement efforts. The report focuses on different civil legal issues that may arise in U.S.

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Halting the Invasion:  State Tools for Invasive Species Management
Meg Filbey, Christina Kennedy, Jessica Wilkinson, Jennifer Balch
August 2002

Non-native invasive species significantly threaten the ecological integrity of our nation`s natural systems. They displace native plants and animals, disrupt ecological processes, upset the stability of our ecosystems, and can permanently change our natural landscapes. Even though many invasive species are not regulated or controlled federally, states have passed a wide array of laws designed to address invasive species problems.

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A Citizen's Guide to Using Federal Environmental Laws to Secure Environmental Ju
Linda Breggin, Environmental Law Institute
April 2002

Countless independent studies have concluded that communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental harms and risks. This handbook has been written with these unique environmental justice concerns in mind. It highlights sections of environmental laws that can be used to support and help advance your environmental justice goals.

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