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.
document with the title "model executive order on municipal leadership on food waste reduction"
Linda Breggin, Darby Hoover, Jessica Sugarman
June 2023

Given the large amount of food that some municipalities procure and the many people that they employ, the impact of food waste reduction measures in municipal operations can be substantial and far-reaching. For example, New York City purchases $500 million worth of food each year and employs around 325,000 people across dozens of agencies.

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The cover of a research report, titled "Filling the Gaps: Strategies for States/Tribes for Protection of Non-WOTUS Waters"
Rebecca Kihslinger, Jim McElfish, Heather Luedke, Georgia Ray
May 2023

Changes in the interpretation of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) resulting from judicial decisions or federal rulemaking place a substantial burden upon state and tribal regulators and legislators. States, in particular, must determine whether, and how, to keep up with shifting federal coverage by adopting and implementing protections for waters that are not protected by federal law.

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Cover for a research report.
Jordan Perry, Linda Breggin
May 2023

ELI’s Food Waste Initiative is publishing a Research Brief Series to present takeaways from the Initiative’s research, spanning a range of topics important to food waste prevention, recovery, and recycling.

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Coastal Fisheries
Sofia O'Connor, Ariella D'Andrea, Xiao Recio-Blanco, Solene Devez
March 2023

Island communities in the Pacific region rely on fishing for food and livelihoods, but coastal marine resources are under threat from both natural and human pressures that are leading to their decline. It is essential that local communities, which often have traditional user rights or ownership rights over coastal areas and the marine resources in those areas, play a leading role in managing the resources on which they depend.

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State Funding for School Ventilation Report Cover
Tobie Bernstein
January 2023

This is a companion paper to ELI’s 2023 report, Ventilation in Schools, which discusses state policy strategies for addressing school ventilation as part of general facility operations and during infectious disease emergencies.

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