- Who We Are
- Explore Our Programs
- Access Our Resources
- Attend An Event
- Get Involved
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.
Blockchain Salvation
June 2018
The hype around blockchains—the programming protocol originally created for the Bitcoin—is bidirectional, ranging from apocalyptic predictions of bitcoin energy use that will “destroy our clean energy future” to rosy scenarios that “blockchain technology can usher in a halcyon age of prosperity for all.” The question for policymakers, therefore, is how to ensure that the environment profits in the end. Read More >
Coordination in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Process: Project Planning and Selection
June 2018
Our report, Coordination in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Process: Project Planning and Selection, describes some tools that are available to the Deepwater Horizon NRDA trustees during project planning and selection that could help coordinate their activities internally within the NRDA program and with external entities. In particular, it focuses on (1) project screening criteria; (2) strategic frameworks; and (3) joint restoration planning. Read More >
Novel Entities and the GEF: Background Paper
June 2018
“Novel entities” can broadly be defined as “things created and introduced into the environment by human beings that could have disruptive effects on the earth system.” These may include synthetic organic pollutants, radioactive materials, genetically modified organisms, nanomaterials, and/or micro-plastics. This report, a background paper prepared for the Global Environment Facility (GEF), presents the results of a process developed to systematically identify novel entities that are relevant to the GEF. Read More >
Addressing Environmental Site Hazards at Child Care Facilities: A Review of State Policy Strategies
May 2018
Environmental site hazards may arise from contamination caused by historical uses of a property, or from nearby activities that remain a source of pollution or other environmental health concerns. Identifying and remedying such hazards before a child care facility is licensed, as well as during facility operations, can help prevent and reduce harmful exposures to staff and children. It is especially important to prevent environmental exposures to young children, because their developing bodies may make them more vulnerable to the effects of contaminants. Read More >
Legal Framework for Marine Protected Area Enforcement in Three Bays National Park, Haiti: Challenges and Opportunities
May 2018
In 2015, the Environmental Law Institute, in collaboration with the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI), examined the legal frameworks for MPA enforcement in eight countries within the Caribbean. The resulting report helps to guide efforts to build capacity for effective MPA enforcement in the region. In 2018, the Environmental Law Institute was tasked with conducting a review of the legal framework for MPA enforcement at Three Bays National Park, Haiti, which serves as a ninth chapter to that report. Read More >
