Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Perspectives from the West

When
June 10, 2019 9:30 am — 12:30 pm
Where
Portland, OR (and webinar)

An ELI and Stoel Rives LLP Co-Sponsored Master Class

Studies show that climate-induced warming is affecting water supplies and ecosystems in the western United States at a disproportionate rate. These impacts, coupled with a perceived lack of comprehensive action on the federal level, have prompted western states to mobilize mitigation and adaptation efforts. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction requirements and adaptation strategies emerging in the West provide valuable lessons that can inform climate policy nationwide.

This signature Master Class provided an in-depth exploration of GHG reduction and adaptation strategies in the West, and components that might be considered across the country. This program focused broadly and also specifically on forestry policy responses. Wildfires, and their massive destruction, have highlighted the impacts of climate change, but effective management of forests through policy responses presents major opportunities for climate mitigation and adaptation.

 

  Agenda

Opening Address: Laura Kerr, Associate, Stoel Rives LLP

Panel 1:  Market-Based Strategies for Greenhouse Gas Reduction

States on the western seaboard are increasingly focused on developing policies to address climate change concerns. This panel will provide an overview of, and perspectives on, responses to climate change emerging on the western seaboard at the state level, and broader lessons for the potential shaping of U.S. climate policy. Leading experts will explore a variety of market-based strategies for GHG reduction, the legal and regulatory components impacting and impacted by these strategies, and provide case studies highlighting both areas of success and challenges. Panelists representing a spectrum of backgrounds will provide key insight into the most pressing components of implementing GHG reductions in a successful, economical, and equitable way, all through the lens of the present regulatory structure.

  • Rachel Hoffman Cox, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP, Moderator
  • Greg Dotson, Assistant Professor of Law, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center, University of Oregon
  • Tiffany Roberts, Director, Regulatory & Legislative Policy, Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA)
  • Thomas R. Wood, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP

Panel 2:  Managing Forests for Climate Change Adaptation

Forests are well-known to be a critical tool for climate change adaptation. To effectively use this tool, however, careful forest management is key. Recent catastrophic wildfires, some of the worst in modern history, have highlighted how challenging this can be. In this panel, leading experts will focus on how adaptation strategies are changing how forests are managed, especially in the west. Representing a broad spectrum of backgrounds, these leading experts will focus on multiple stakeholder engagement, potential regulatory and policy changes facing forest management in light of recent wildfires, best practices for businesses operating in this space, private environmental governance, case studies of the challenges and opportunities in this sector, and more.

  • Greg D. Corbin, Partner, Stoel Rives LLP, Moderator
  • Michelle Passero, Director, California Climate Program, The Nature Conservancy

  • Andrew Elsbree, Vice President and General Manager, Oregon Operations, Green Diamond Resource Company
  • Lawson  Fite,  General  Counsel,  American  Forest  Resource  Council

Materials:
ELI members will have access to materials/a recording of this session (usually posted w/in 48 hours). If you are not an ELI member but would like to have access to archived sessions like this one, go HERE to see the many benefits of membership and how to join.


CLE INFORMATION:

In-person CLE Attendees:

  • Instructions will be given at the course site.

Webinar CLE Attendees:

  • Please listen for and record the CLE codes that will be read out loud during the program. If you do not include the code, you will not be awarded CLE Credit.
  • CLE codes from the webinar should be sent to events@stoel.com within one business week of the program date (June 17).

  • Any CLE questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to events@stoel.com.