Alan J. Gilbert, Senior Advisor to Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar, Speaks about the Department and Explains "Honors Attorney Program"

Alan J. Gilbert, Senior Advisor to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, spoke yesterday at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

Mr. Gilbert, who spoke about the work of the Department of Interior, was the March speaker in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program's Speaker Series.

In particular, Mr. Gilbert noted several key initiatives that have been undertaken by the Department under the direction of Secretary Salazar, who formerly served as a U.S. Senator from Colorado as well as Colorado Attorney General.

One top initiative involves energy development on public lands. "This is very, very important," Mr. Gilbert noted. "President Obama and Secretary Salazar want to promote energy development on public lands," he said. The Obama Administration is particularly keen to encourage the development of utility-size renewable energy generation on public lands.

As part of this effort, Secretary Salazar has instituted a "fast track" program that encourages utility-size renewables projects on public lands. Moreover, the Department is working to make sure that the way the Bureau of Land Management reviews applications for these projects is more effectively integrated into the way the government looks at renewables.

A second top initiative is called the Water SMART Program, which is aimed at "finding more water in the west by managing public water resources better and more efficiently," Mr. Gilbert said.

The matter of improving consultation between the Department and Native American tribes is another key initiative. The Department's goal is to develop new processes that will facilitate and improve the consultations now and into the future, he said.

America's Great Outdoors: A Promise to Future Americans is also among Secretary Salazar's prioritities. This is an effort to protect special lands and waters managed by the Department across the country in consensus with the states, local authorities, and other interested parties as well as to reconnect Americans with the outdoors. An executive summary of this program can be accessed by clicking here.

Finally the Youth in the Great Outdoors, which emphasizes employing, educating, and engaging young people in the preservation of America's natural and cultural heritage, is another key priority for Secretary Salazar.

Before closing, Mr. Gilbert called special attention to the Honors Attorney Program, which is part of the Department's Office of the Solicitor. Current solicitor Hilary Tompkins reinstated the program last year, and he encouraged students to consider applying for it if they were interested in natural resources law work. The program, which is designed to recruit highly qualified junior attorneys, is 14 months in length during which Honors Attorneys work on the full range of environmental laws relating to management of the nation's public lands, national parks and wildlife refuges, general administrative and government business law, and law related to the U.S.' relationship with Indian Tribes.

Don Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, said, "It was a pleasure for the College of Law to host Alan Gilbert, a key long-time advisor to Secretary Salazar. Students benefit enormously by learning from individuals such as Mr. Gilbert, whose life experience is rich and expansive when it comes to understanding the country's resource policies. We at DU hope that Mr. Gilbert returns soon and often to the College of Law."

Mr. Gilbert has taught at the College of Law on several occasions, including serving as the prestigious Practitioner in Residence.

Editor's note: From left to right, Alan J. Gilbert, Law Professor K.K. DuVivier, Don Smith, Professor Emeritus and former U.S. Undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Interior John A. Carver Jr.

Video Interview With Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of Pioneering New South Wales, Australia, Land and Environment Court

Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of the New South Wales, Australia, Land and Environment Court, was recently interviewed by Don C. Smith, Director of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program.

To see a streaming video of the interview, please click here.

Justice Preston last week visited the Sturm College of Law to share his insights and observations about the Land and Environment Court, one of the world's first environmental courts.

In the interview, Mr. Smith asks Justice Preston about the following issues:

• History of the Land and Environment Court
• Importance of the Court being a Superior Court of Record
• Access to justice and public participation in the context of the Court's work
• How expert testimony is handled
• The Court's unique judicial and executive functions

Justice Preston's observations in the interview are particularly important in understanding the roles of specialized environmental courts. Professor George (Rock) Pring, a globally respected professor of Environmental Law at the Sturm College of Law has written, "Justice Preston is a global leader and educator in the environmental courts and tribunals arena," as well as a jurist who has "developed a comprehensive vision for the problem solving environmental courts and tribunals of the future. He terms it 'the multi-door courthouse.'"

The Federal Budget and Funding for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects: The View From Capital Hill

A timely and fascinating overview of the federal budgeting process as it relates to funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency was provided yesterday at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law by Drew Willison, Vice President, Public Policy and External Relations for Battelle, which operates the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) located near Denver.

Mr. Willison was a guest lecturer in Adjunct Professor Robert J. Noun's "Renewable Energy for the 21st Century: Policy, Law, Markets, Technology" course at the College of Law. Mr. Noun is NREL's Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs.

Mr. Willison, who has a masters in public administration and a JD degree, formerly worked for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He provided an insightful look at the "competing" budget proposals authored by President Barrack Obama, on one hand, and the Republican leadership headed by Speaker John Boehner in the U.S. House of Representatives on the other. He explained the budget calendar, as well as why the U.S. Congress is dealing with the current fiscal year's budget this week (measures are being voted on today in an unusual Friday session for the U.S. House).

In particular, he focused on the proposed budgets for the U.S. Department of Energy, which funds energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts, as well as the appropriations process that actually provides money for measures that have been through the budget process. He noted that the President's fiscal year 2012 budget, which will begin on October 1, provides a five percent increase from the fiscal year 2010 current appropriation. However, he explained that all of this funding will be subject to intense review and debate in a "divided government" where the Democrats control the presidency and the U.S. Senate while the Republicans control the U.S. House of Representatives.

Don Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, described the presentation as both illuminating and informative. "Students in Adjunct Professor Noun's course benefited enormously from Mr. Willison's presentation. Regardless what one may think of the competing budget proposals, there is great value in understanding the process and the key points of decision-making in the process. Mr. Willison's description of the process and its implications, both short and long term, will benefit all of the students irrespective of their final careers.

"It is noteworthy that through his course, Mr. Noun continues to introduce students to cutting edge policy and technology-related discussions. The College of Law is extremely fortunate to benefit from the experience and insight of individuals such as Bob Noun and Drew Willison. DU's ambition is to be the finest U.S. law school for learning about renewable energy, and through the efforts of Mr. Noun and individuals such as Mr. Willison we are meeting that objective," Mr. Smith said.

Editor's Note: In the picture above, Drew Willison is on the far left and Bob Noun is on the far right. Several Mr. Noun's students are also pictured.

Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) Announces Two Major Scholarship Programs That are Available to Sturm College of Law Students

The Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) has announced two important scholarship programs that are open to University of Denver Sturm College of Law full-time students.

The AIPN was founded in 1981 to enhance the professionalism of cross-border energy negotiators throughout the world. It is now composed of more than 2,900 members in more than 80 countries, representing numerous international oil and gas companies, host governments, law firms and academic institutions.

The winner of the first program, the Student Outreach Program, will receive a fully paid trip and registration to the AIPN Spring Conference April 13-15, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas. Please click here to see the conference brochure. Students with a focus or serious interest in oil and gas law and policy are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. Applicants should submit a one-page explanation about how they would benefit from attending the conference. Applications, which must be received by February 28, should be e-mailed to Lucy Daberkow by clicking here.

The second program is the Student Scholarship Program, which underwrites eight scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each. These scholarships will be awarded for the academic year beginning with the fall 2011 semester. For more information about the Student Scholarship Program, please click here. An application form is available by clicking here and the reference form can be accessed by clicking here. Applications must be submitted to AIPN by June 1, 2011, and applicants will be notified of results on or about July 15, 2011.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, said, "The University of Denver is privileged to be one of the select universities that the AIPN has chosen to participate in these programs. Among the universities that are involved include institutions in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Qatar, and the U.S. These programs represent excellent opportunities to students to learn more about the AIPN, one of the premier organizations of its kind in the world."

For more information about the scholarship programs, please contact Mr. Smith by clicking here.

The AIPN also has a student membership, which is available for $25. To access the AIPN Student Memberships Benefits brochure, please click here.

Interview With Nigel Haigh, An Expert on European Union Environmental Policy Making

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Nigel Haigh, one of the foremost experts on environmental policy making in the European Union.

His 1984 book, European Economic Community Environmental Policy and Britain, was the first attempt to analyze all EU environmental legislation and was the precursor of the current Manual of European Environmental Policy, the premier publication of its kind.

Mr. Haigh was director of the Institute for European Environmental Policy from 1980 to 1998. Previously he helped found the European Environmental Bureau and was its Vice-President from 1975 to 1979. He was a founding member of the Environment Agency for England and Wales (1995 to 2000) and was appointed by the European Parliament to the Management Board of the European Environment Agency (2000-2005). He is currently President of Environmental Protection UK.

My interview with Mr. Haigh was illuminating in many respects. In particular he offered his observations about the evolution of EU environmental policy making as well the major environmental challenges the world's largest economic market -- the European Union -- faces in today's world.

To view the video, please click here.

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program

Students Hear DU LLM Graduates Discuss Natural Resources-Related Opportunities in Latin America: Opportunities Need Careful Analysis, Students Told

Two Latin American-based natural resources attorneys -- Diego Parravicini and Leonardo Rodriguez -- who earned LLM degrees at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law spoke to more than 30 current students last week in a teleconference originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The two gentlemen presented on the opportunities and risks that should be managed as part of mining investment.

Mr. Rodriguez, a 2008 LLM graduate who practices at Marval O'Farrell & Mairal, began by noting the significant growth Argentina has experienced in recent years in the mining sector. He pointed out that Wang Xuelong, General Director at the China Geological Survey, has said, "We believe Argentina is the most appropriate destination for mining investments due to its huge geological potential." Mr. Rodriquez also noted that while Chile and Peru have been extensively explored for natural resources potential, less than half of Argentina has been similarly explored. As a result, in 2009 about $1.9 billion (US) was invested in the Argentina mining industry, a more than 1,000 percent growth rate since 2003. He also pointed to the rapid rise in minerals-related exports during the last decade. Mr. Rodriguez finished his presentation by describing a "favorable legal framework," which has resulted in large foreign investments in Argentina.

Mr. Parravicini, a 2009 LLM graduate who now practices law at Estudio Beccar Varela, spoke about the relative risks of investing in mining in Argentina. He began by noting that some provinces have banned the use of cyanide for mining. He also discussed the taxation on companies with fiscal stability benefits and zoning regulations that need to be taken into account of before investing. He emphasized that some risks need to be evaluated and managed by potential investors.

Looked at as a whole, the joint presentation provided students an excellent view of how these two Latin American lawyers analyze potential mining projects on behalf of their clients.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy (ENRL) program, said, "What made the session so valuable was for students to hear what it is like to operate 'on the ground,' to speak, in a Latin American country that has attracted considerable outside investment interest. Few U.S. law schools can boast that they have graduates who are working on a daily basis in Latin America on resources issues that must be undertaken in a considered and careful way by investors."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the ENRL Graduate Program said, "DU is very fortunate to have among our graduates Leo and Diego, who are establishing themselves as mining law experts in Argentina and Latin America more broadly. Our current students benefited from hearing Leo and Diego talk about the realities of investing in Argentina, both in terms of the upside and in terms of risks to be managed."

DU has a long history of attracting some of Latin America's best lawyers to the LLM program. These students enrich the overall diversity of the ENRL program as well as contribute to the global nature of how natural resources are taught at DU.

Mr. Rodriguez' presentation can be accessed by clicking here. Mr. Parrivicini's presentation can be accessed by clicking here.

"Colorado Water Case of the Century" to be Argued at University of Denver Sturm College of Law January 20, 2011

A case that some experts have described as the "Colorado water case of the century" will be argued at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law on January 20, 2011, from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The Burlington Ditch Reservoir & Land Company and Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company case (also known as the FRICO case) will be heard by the Colorado Supreme Court meeting in room 165 at the College of Law. The water rights case involves a determination of the historic consumptive use of the 1885 Burlington direct flow and storage water rights.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law program said, "The setting of oral arguments in this important case at the College of Law will provide DU students, faculty, and friends an excellent opportunity to hear this historic case. In one measure of the importance of the case, the Supreme Court has provided for a 90 minute argument rather than its more typical 30 or 45 minutes."

Associate Dean and Professor Fred Cheever said the College of Law was "honored to be hosting the Supreme Court." Dean Cheever noted that most of the state's prominent water lawyers will be at the College of Law to observe the oral arguments.

A second case on the Court's docket is a matter involving legislative intent.

Anyone wishing more information about the Court's session at the College of Law should contact Stefanie Carroll by clicking here.

December LLM and MRLS Graduates: Celebrations and Official Recognition

Without question, one of the most satisfying times of the academic year is when graduating students are recognized and their accomplishments celebrated.

December 2010 was certainly no different for the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program. Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the ENRL Graduate Program and I, were delighted to wish all of our graduates well and extend to them best wishes as they begin their professional futures.

These pictures represent two of the key events during December. The first picture depicts the scene at the December graduation ceremony. The picture illustrates the diversity of our program as well as the fact that our graduates are a very impressive group! Beginning on the far left is Alex Aidaghese, originally from Nigeria and currently an LLM student; me; Juliet Briggs, LLM graduate from Nigeria; Payal Sathe, LLM graduate from India; Lucy; Eva Kuoni, LLM graduate originally from Mexico who now lives and works in Denver; Kris Ellis, MRLS graduate from the U.S.; Tonye Oki, 2005 graduate who is originally from Nigeria but now lives and works in Denver and teaches "Negotiating Natural Resources Law Agreements," in the ENRL program. The two very young ladies in front -- many of you will recognize them right away -- are Emma (left) and Amelie (right) Daberkow from the classes of 2025 and 2027 respectively.

One of the aspects of the graduation ceremony that Lucy and I very much enjoy is meeting the families of our graduates. Everyone at the ceremony -- the proud parents, spouses, children, significant others, friends -- each enjoys the event and has their own personal pride in the graduate they have come (many times long distances) to recognize. Lucy and I salute all of these individuals as well since they have often made significant sacrifices and have provided enormous encouragement along the way to support their graduate.

The second picture was taken after a graduation lunch where Lucy and I celebrated with three of our graduates, Ms. Briggs next to me, Ms. Sathe, Lucy, and Ms. Kuoni on the far right-hand side of the picture.

Some of the graduates were not able to attend either event, but we also wish them well.

We experience these occasions with mixed emotions. On one hand, it is difficult to realize that we may not see these graduates again for a very long time. But on the other hand, it is exciting and satisfying to watch them go forth and put to use what they have learned.

In biding these students goodbye and good luck, Lucy and I are reminded of the words of the famous British historian Edward Gibbon: "The winds and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators."

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

Happy Holidays From Denver! Feliz Navidad Desde Denver!

All of us in the University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law program wish our friends from across the world -- from Argentina and Chile in the south to Canada and Russia in the north and every country in between -- a very happy holiday season and warm wishes for the coming year.

Special times of the year may be different for each individual, but what brings us together is a shared commitment to a clean and safe environment that provides all of us the resources to live healthy and productive lives. In reaching this goal the world needs engaged, dedicated, and hard-working professionals who will remain steadfast even when success seems so difficult to achieve.

All of us in Denver are enriched by our students, our graduates, and our global community of friends. May 2011 be a wonderful year for all of you!

Don C. Smith
Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

Lucy Daberkow
Assistant Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Graduate Program

Natural Resources Extraction in Congo: "Treasure Amid Turmoil," According to the Financial Times

The abundance of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo alongside the difficulty of actually operating there are explained in a fascinating recent article in the Financial Times.

In "Treasure Amid Turmoil" (Dec. 16, 2010), the FT reports that "As metal and mineral prices rise, Congo's bountiful deposits are growing in investor allure -- though seizures of western assets point to the difficulties of operating in a failing state." The article highlights the political, social, and development-related challenges associated with doing business in Congo. The role of multinationals in working in the country is explained. One thing is clear -- the road ahead will not be an easy one by any means.

The opportunities and challenges involved in operating in a country such as the Democratic Republic of Congo are more fully explored and analyzed in a pioneering three course series that the University of Denver Sturm College of Law has developed. Taught by resources experts, Luke Danielson, a Gunnison, Colorado, attorney, and Cecilia Dalupan, associate director of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, the "Natural Resources Development Series" considers how to operate sustainably in three contexts: (1) internationally; (2) within nation states; and (3) within communities where the work actually takes place. The first course -- dealing with emerging international trends -- will be offered over two long weekends in late February and late March 2011. The blog will be reporting more detail on this first course in the coming weeks. The second and third courses will be offered in one-week sessions in July 2011. Each course counts for three credits.

Balancing the competing interests in natural resources development so as to move towards a sustainable model is no small feat. It will take a new generation of practitioners who have studied and thought about what works and what does not work. DU's new series will help prepare this new generation.

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

"Renewable Energy Project Development and Regulation" Course Debuts in January 2011; Enhances and Strengthens DU's Leadership in Renewables Law

An exciting and timely new course to be offered for the first time in the spring 2011 semester at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law will be "Renewable Energy Project Development and Regulation."

Recently I sat down with Adjunct Professor Mark D. Safty (pictured at left), a partner at and practice group leader for Holland & Hart's Energy & Infrastructure Group. We talked about his experience and the reasons he is looking forward to teaching this course.

Mr. Safty has been lead counsel in the development, acquisition, financing, and refinancing of more than three dozen power generation facilities. Moreover, he has been involved in hydroelectric, coal, natural gas, and fuel oil powered facilities and projects. To put it in brief, he has experience in all regulatory, financial, and operational aspects of the energy generation industry.

More recently Mr. Safty has served as the group leader his firm's renewable energy practice, where by all measures he has assembled one of the country's top renewable energy project development practice teams. He is widely sought after as a speaker at renewables-related conferences and has been asked to contribute to numerous publications including the International Power & Utilities Finance Review.

In his role leading Holland & Hart's renewable energy practice, Mr. Safty pays close attention to the legal, policy, and business development trends associated with renewables. We talked about a broad range of topics that are involved with a renewables-related practice, and he offered his observations about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the renewables sector.

More specifically Mr. Safty provided this overview of his course, which will begin on Jan. 12, 2011:

"This course will examine the broad range of legal topics that a renewable energy lawyer must understand in order to practice effectively. We will examine the structure, regulation, and functioning of the electric energy industry in the United States. We will explore in detail the law applicable to the development, ownership and operation of renewable energy projects across the spectrum of technologies. Significant emphasis will be placed on the practical 'real world' issues encountered in developing, financing and operating these projects.

"While the primary focus of this course is the regulation and development of renewable energy projects, we will also explore the renewable energy policy arena and its implications, and the mechanics and issues associated with financing energy
projects.

"Finally, the course will also address legal, policy and economic and financing issues associated with the expansion and improvement of the transmission grid to support renewable energy development. Various guest lecturers including leading practitioners in the field and developers of renewable energy projects in the region will participate in the course."

Two things struck me about his approach to his work and his upcoming class. He is extremely engaged in the renewables sector through his client work as well as his association with various renewables-related business groups. Second, he has a desire to impart his knowledge and his 'lessons learned' based on his experience to a generation of future professionals whose work will be essential to the future of American electricity generation and distribution system. Moreover, anyone who meets him will learn what it means to be a true professional whose passion for his work is reflected in his engaging and personable style.

With the addition of Mr. Safty's course in the spring of 2011, the Environmental and Natural Resources Law program is well on the way to establishing the Sturm College of Law as "the" leader in renewable energy studies among all American law schools. This is a moniker we take seriously and are committed to fulfilling for our students and our community. Mr. Safty's course joins two other high profile renewables-related courses and complements some of the nation's finest externship opportunities as provide by the College of Law Legal Externship Program.

Students interested in learning more about renewable energy project development, and all that it entails, should not miss this course or the College of Law's other renewables offerings for that matter. There is no better place to learn about renewables than here in Denver, the center of the new energy economy.

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program

Hiring News: Kelli Schulte, 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate, Begins Work as Program Analyst for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Kelli Schulte, a 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, has been hired by the Bureau of Reclamation, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior.

According to Ms. Schulte:

"As a Program Analyst in the Policy and Administration Office I participate with senior analysts in the preparation of policies, directives and standards, and provide guidance for Reclamation programs. In doing so, I research laws, precedents, and program procedures to develop new policy for Reclamation programs. I also review program-related reports to ensure proper implementation of such programs is occurring at the regional and local level.

"At the present time I am engaged in the development of revised funding criteria for mature Reclamation programs and I am assisting in the development of program criteria and funding announcements for projects that are in their early stages. I work with my team members to develop program budgets and to respond to Congressional and Department (Department of the Interior) level budget inquiries and I suspect I will have the opportunity to engage with many inter-governmental and non-federal entities during my time with Reclamation.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is a contemporary water management agency, with a history in dam building. Today it has shifted its focus from construction to operation and maintenance. It is the largest wholesaler of water in the nation providing drinking water to more than 31 million Americans and irrigating more than 10 million acres of farmland. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States providing more than 40 billion kilowatt hours annually.

Reclamation places a heavy emphasis on fulfilling its water delivery obligations in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Nevertheless, with today’s increasing water resource challenges, Reclamation must look beyond its obligation to deliver water, in order to meet the competing needs, of an increasing population, with limited water resources. It does this through a variety of programs that address various needs and concerns throughout the west.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) program, said, "We are delighted with the news that Ms. Schulte has begun working for the Bureau of Reclamation. While studying at DU, Kelli established herself as an individual committed to the proper oversight of the country's resources. She will now carry out this commitment in her new role with the Bureau."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director of the ENRL Graduate Program from which Ms. Schulte earned her degree, said, "From the day Kelli began our program in August 2009 through May 2010 when she graduated, Kelli was an enthusiastic and engaged student who learned from everyone she met and every course she took. We wish her great success in her new position."

Nigerian Attorney and DU LLM Graduate Tonye Oki Passes Colorado Bar Examination; Prepares to Join the Colorado Bar

Tonye Tony Oki, a Nigerian Barrister, Solicitor, and Advocate, and a 2006 University of Denver Sturm College of Law LLM graduate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy, passed the July 2010 Colorado Bar Examination.

Mr. Oki, who is a chartered arbitrator as well as an Adjunct Professor of Law who co-teaches (along with Denver attorney James King) Negotiating Natural Resource Agreements at DU, has worked on Africa-China affairs for Divine Oil and Gas of Denver. He has also practiced law in Nigeria.

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director for the Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) graduate program, said, "Tonye Oki has been a wonderful member of our graduate program community since the day he began studying here in August 2005. Since his graduation, Tonye has been tireless in his efforts to help other graduates and in his support of our program. This is a wonderful achievement for Tonye."

Don C. Smith, Director of the ENRL, said, "Adjunct Professor Oki and I first met in the spring of 2006 when he was a student in a course I taught called 'Comparative Environmental Law.' From the day we met, I knew Tonye was going to make major contributions in this field. Two years ago I approached him about co-teaching Negotiating Natural Resource Agreements, and he has done an excellent job in that regard too. Our program has no greater supporter than Adjunct Professor Oki and he has no greater fans than Ms. Daberkow, the faculty he studied under, and me. We are thrilled at his professional achievement."

Mr. Oki is a member of numerous professional bodies including the International Mining Professionals Society USA, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK. and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Editor's Note: In the picture above, Don Smith is on the left, Lucy Daberkow is in the middle, and Tonye Oki is on the right.

"Environmental and Natural Resources Law Certificate" Established by Sturm College of Law; Certificate Reflects Long-Standing Strength of DU Program

A "Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law" is now available for University of Denver Sturm College of Law students who meet certain criteria as established by the faculty of law.

The Certificate "is intended to acknowledge a path of specialized learning within the JD program. As such, it is a supplement to the basic JD degree," Don C. Smith, Director of the ENRL program said.

All enrolled law students in good standing are eligible for the ENRL Certificate. Please click here to learn more about the requirements for earning the certificate.

Graduates who earn the certificate will have this so noted on their diploma as well as on their transcript.

The establishment of the ENRL Certificate reflects the long-standing strength of the College of Law ENRL program "which is one of the oldest and most extensive environmental and natural resources law programs in the nation," Mr. Smith said. "For a century, the program, our faculty, and our students have provided leadership in the development, understanding, and application of environmental and natural resources law and in related fields."

Students who earn the certificate will benefit from an enhanced all around exposure to the College of Law's courses and will be seen in the market place as having special expertise, thus improving their competitive advantage in the job search process.

New Streaming Video Highlights Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program, "One of the Best in the World"

The Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) program at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law is featured in a new streaming video, which can be accessed by clicking here.

The video features interviews with various individuals who are involved with the program including Don C. Smith, ENRL director, Howard Kenison, a 1972 JD alum and nationally recognized environmental and energy law attorney who practices at Lindquist and Vennum, and Professor George (Rock) Pring, an internationally known environmental and resource law professor.

Students featured in the video are Kristi Disney, who will earn her JD and LLM in Environmental and Natural Resources Law degrees in 2011, and Matthew Wagner, who earned his Masters in Resource Law Studies degree in 2010.

Among other topics, the video points to the excellent externship program, headed by Professor Ann Vessels, which provides students a wide range of opportunities to work for federal, state, private, and non-profit institutions. Many consider the environmental and natural resources law externships available at the College of Law "second to none" in the United States.

Steve Bain and Bob Bassett, Two Leading International Natural Resources Attorneys, Compare International Mining and Oil and Gas Work With DU Students

Two of America's leading natural resources lawyers, Steve Bain and Bob Bassett, spoke recently about the differences and similarities in the fields of international mining law and international oil and gas law to a large group of University of Denver Sturm College of Law students in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law program.

The event, which was sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF) and organized by law student Carrie Golden, attracted a group of DU law students from the U.S. as well as Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Nigeria, and Peru, thus reflecting the widely diverse nature of the ENRL student body.

Mr. Bain, a shareholder at Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, teaches International and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy. He noted that mining law is in many respects "more regulated" than oil and gas law largely because mining has been going on for hundreds of years while the exploration for and extraction of oil and gas is a much more recent development. On the other hand he noted that oil and gas development takes place worldwide while mining development generally happens in more confined regions of the world.

Mr. Bassett, manager of the Minerals Practice Group at Holland & Hart, teaches International Mining Law & Policy. Before beginning his presentation, Mr. Bassett encouraged students to become familiar with the RMMLF. "The Foundation is widely recognized as the source for lawyers to learn from scholarly works written by practicing lawyers. The Foundation is an invaluable resource." He also noted that individuals involved with the Foundation "build relationships with others. Knowing other practitioners is very important."

Mr. Bassett said that mining dates back to the Roman Empire and Greece. "Many of the concepts first established by the Greeks are still used today," he said. He also noted the capital intensive nature of building mines and the relatively small profit margin that exists in many mining projects.

The two men also made other key observations on various related topics:

• Sustainable Development: Mr. Bassett said the first time he heard about the concept of "sustainable development" was in the context of mining. Now he said an important issue for mining companies is "how can a mining project be designed to be 'sustainable' from an economic perspective. In other words, how can a local community's economy be made to continue on after a mining project is closed." Mr. Bassett noted that mining projects can, and have in many instances (e.g., in Australia, Canada, and the U.S.) provided revenues for government that can then be invested in other sectors, such as education.
• The "Impact" of Development: Mr. Bain noted that mining projects are much more visible to people, and thus often attract more opposition than oil and gas projects. He also pointed out that the "return on investment" for oil and gas projects tends to be considerably higher than for mining projects as a result of the considerable capital investments that must be made in the development stage of mining.

Don C. Smith, director of the ENRL program, said, "Adjunct Professors Bain and Bassett provided a fascinating look at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of oil and gas and mining developers. Everyone attending the event as well as all the students who have studied under these gentlemen has benefited enormously from their insight and experience. The College of Law is privileged to have a strong relationship with both Mr. Bain and Mr. Bassett."

Mr. Smith also noted the longtime relationship between the College of Law and the RMMLF. "The College of Law was one of the founding members of the RMMLF and remains active in the Foundation today. Professor Jan Laitos is the College of Law's trustee to the Foundation and Professor and Academic Dean Fred Cheever is a trustee at large," he said.

Editor's Note: Steve Bain is shown alongside student Alphonsus Ihuoma in the top photo; Bob Bassett is shown in the second photo.