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.
State Wildlife Action Plans and Utilities: New Conservation Opportunities for Am
James M. McElfish, Jr. and Austin Kane
January 2007

State Wildlife Action Plans and Utilities: New Conservation Opportunities for America’s Wildlife examines utilities in three states that represent a diverse range of utility types and regulatory frameworks — New Jersey, Michigan, and Washington. It identifies a wide range of opportunities for utilities and state agencies to use wildlife action plans to inform policy, planning, and management decisions. This report also highlights the wide variety of activities that utilities are implementing to conserve wildlife on their lands and waters.

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Ten Things Wrong With Sprawl
James M. McElfish, Jr.
January 2007

The U.S. population will grow by over 92 million in the next 35 years. If sprawl development patterns continue to prevail, what are the likely consequences for America, its communities, and its resources? This publication draws on examples from across the country to identify detrimental effects from sprawl development patterns, and to suggest why it is time to pursue changes in law and policy to eliminate the adverse consequences of our current development approach.

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The Nature of Open Space Programs: Linking Land Protection and Biodiversity Cons
Environmental Law Institute
December 2006

The conservation of biodiversity supports efforts to ensure the long-term stability of wildlife species and habitats, ecosystems and economies, and public health and welfare. Because the greatest threats to wildlife and biodiversity in the United States are habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, purchasing land outright or protecting it through the acquisition of a conservation easement ensures the protection of lands important for habitat.

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Report for Great Lakes Protection Fund: Potential Federal Preemption of Laws in
Environmental Law Institute
October 2006

Introduced to the Senate on February 10, 2005, Senate Bill 363 (S. 363, the Ballast Water Management Act) proposes to amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to establish a national approach for managing invasive species in ballast water. The proposed legislation also includes a declaration that federal ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment standards, implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard, supersede state and local laws deemed inconsistent with federal provisions.

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