Constitutional Law: 2007 Year in Review

Environment, Energy, and Resources Law: The Year in Review (2007)

10 Pages Posted: 19 Dec 2024 Last revised: 14 Dec 2024

See all articles by James R. May

James R. May

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law; Widener University Delaware Law School; Haub School of Law at Pace University

Date Written: January 09, 2008

Abstract

The U.S. Constitution provides both the authority for, and the limitations of, governmental efforts respecting environment, energy, and natural resources. We have entered an interesting constitutional era, one in which a rising sea level will help to buoy a rising tide of climate litigation, the leading edge of which lies constitutional jurisprudence as applied to standing, the Commerce Clause, the political question doctrine, preemption, federalism, due process, and takings. In 2007, environmental litigation involves either state action (e.g., to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles or require climate-friendly energy production), or state causes of action (e.g., public or private nuisance). Among the battleground issues are: the extent to which Congress may regulate use of private property under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a last gasp effort to save rare plants and animals from extinction; pollutant discharges into water bodies that are not traditionally navigable, or activities that cause or contribute to climate change; and whether states may restrict destructive development, emissions of greenhouse gases; or the import and export of wastes that might denude or degrade natural resources; or provide causes of action for those harmed by releases of hazardous chemicals; and otherwise turn to federal courts to enforce federal natural resource and environmental laws.

Keywords: Envieonmental Litigation, U.S Constitution, Endangered Species Act

Suggested Citation

May, James,
Constitutional Law: 2007 Year in Review
(January 09, 2008). Environment, Energy, and Resources Law: The Year in Review (2007), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5038065 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5038065

James May (Contact Author)

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law ( email )

1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
United States

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States

Haub School of Law at Pace University ( email )

78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

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