32nd Fall Conference in Seattle

This has been quite the year for environment, energy, and natural resources practitioners. In spring of this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final rule designating two per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. During the 2023–2024 term, the Supreme Court decided cases that will impact our practices. Beyond agency and judicial activity, this is an election year. All this activity raises questions: How do we respond to Supreme Court decisions that substantially change long-standing doctrine? How do we advise clients on emerging contaminants? What happens if there is a change of administration in November? These questions, and others, can leave us perplexed and frustrated.

The ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) invites you to the Emerald City––Seattle, Washington––for the 32nd Fall Conference from October 23–25, 2024. Come see the fall colors and view the picturesque mountains while learning from premiere speakers as they consider pressing issues and recent developments in environmental, energy, and resources law.

SEER’s Fall Conference planning committee has developed an amazing two days of programming and thought leaders to assist with timely discussions. The opening plenary session on Thursday will discuss the Supreme Court’s recent opinions and their impacts on lawyers practicing in federal courts. Friday’s plenary tackles artificial intelligence and how practitioners can incorporate the technology into their practices. The conference also provides practice tips and recommendations from senior government officials and prominent practitioners on a range of environmental, energy, and resources law topics, including:

• an examination of the landmark Boldt decision addressing treaty rights;
• keeping up with increasing regulatory requirements and restrictions on global supply chains;
• the siting of renewable energy projects;
• water management lessons learned from the Columbia and Colorado Rivers;
• the EPA’s use of the Clean Air Act to manage greenhouse gas emissions;
• questions that arise when cleaning up contaminated waterways;
• working with key players during an environmental catastrophe;
• the challenges and limits of climate change litigation in the United States;
• an examination of the Clean Water Act legal landscape following the Sackett v. EPA decision;
• recent developments and advocacy around dam removal;
• navigating the evolving environmental, social, and governance and climate disclosure landscape; and
• Tribal co-management of state and federal lands and natural resources.

Friday’s session will conclude with an ethics panel addressing ethical considerations related to environmental justice.

Continuing with tradition from prior conferences, the Fall Conference will provide many opportunities to network and meet new friends at locally inspired social and service events. The conference starts on Wednesday with the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)-in-Action lunch, a networking event for diverse law students and recent graduates. After lunch, join SEER members at the public service project. Wednesday concludes with the Beginnings and Belonging reception. Thursday, after the sessions conclude, attendees can enjoy dine arounds and experience the local cuisine.

The Fall Conference promises to highlight and educate attendees on some of the major issues environment, energy, and resources practitioners face. It’s the first time Seattle has hosted the Fall Conference. I look forward to seeing many of you in the Emerald City as we learn, exchange ideas, and connect. Register today!