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.
Assessment of the Legal, Scientific, and Institutional Frameworks for Biodiversi
Lisa Goldman, ELI & Dr. Nick Brown, University of Oxford
October 2007

This report was coauthored by ELI and the University of Oxford’s Department of Plant Sciences, with support from, and in collaboration with, the United Nations Environment Programme’s Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch. It undertakes a detailed analysis of the current laws, regulations, institutions, and practices affecting the management and conservation of biodiversity in Liberia. Based on its research findings, the report highlights priority actions to improve Liberia’s governance of biodiversity.

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Mitigation of Impacts to Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Estimating Costs and Identif
Environmental Law Institute
October 2007

Every year, human activities cause significant harm to fish and wildlife habitat and the environment. Many of the impacts to these natural resources are never addressed. In certain cases, however, federal, state, and local laws and programs can require monetary or in-kind compensation for these impacts. A new ELI report, "Mitigation of Impacts to Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Estimating Costs and Identifying Opportunities," estimates that private and public expenditures for such compensation under key federal programs total up to $3.8 billion annually.

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State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase IV
Environmental Law Institute
October 2007

This report is the fourth and final phase in ELI's multi-year study on the "core" components of state wetland programs (which include: state laws, regulations, and programs; monitoring and assessment; restoration programs and activities; water quality standards; public-private partnerships; coordination among state and federal agencies; and education and outreach activities). Each phase of the study examines a cross-section of states representing various approaches to wetland protection and regulation, as well as geographic diversity.

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Environmental Law Institute
July 2007

Recent Supreme Court rulings have called into question federal Clean Water Act coverage for certain wetlands and streams. Legislation recently introduced in the House of Representatives would amend the Act to restate and clarify Congress’s intent to regulate the waters of the United States to the fullest extent of its legislative power. The Environmental Law Institute has issued a new white paper that identifies which constitutional powers Congress can rely on to protect the Nation’s waters, and explains in straightforward language what the Supreme Court has said about these powers.

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