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.
PBP Cover
Linda Breggin, Bruce Myers, Sarah Backer, Taalin RaoShah
April 2024

Municipalities and other local governments around the country are setting climate mitigation targets and adaptation goals. These municipalities typically develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that outlines the measures they plan to take to meet their targets and goals. Often missing from these CAPs are measures to increase the availability of plant-based proteins and engage the public on their benefits.

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Linda K. Breggin, Taalin RaoShah
April 2024

This slide deck provides a brief introduction to the issue of food waste in the U.S. as well as an overview of ELI's Food Waste Initiative and its work in Nashville. Senior Attorney Linda Breggin presented these slides in April 2024 at the No Food Left Behind Event during Food Waste Prevention Week in Nashville.

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Cover page of report featuring an underwater photo with plastic pollution on the surface. Report is titled "Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers."
Margaret Spring, Cecilia Diedrich, Therese Wilkerson, Jack Schnettler
March 2024

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the existing legal authorities the U.S. federal government can leverage to achieve the national goal of eliminating plastic release into the environment by 2040 while safeguarding human health and the environment. Building on the legal framework established by a Congressionally-mandated report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, the report categorizes federal authorities—spanning executive orders, legislation, regulations, and associated programs—into specific "intervention areas" across the plastic life cycle.

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Cover page of report featuring an underwater photo with plastic pollution on the surface. Report is titled "Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers."
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Environmental Law Institute
March 2024

This brief summarizes Existing U.S. Federal Authorities to Address Plastic Pollution: A Synopsis for Decision Makers, a report which identifies federal authorities—spanning executive orders, legislation, regulations, and associated programs—that can be used to address plastic pollution through interventions identified across the plastic life cycle. 

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