The World Cup Begins: Good Luck to all the "Sturm College of Law" Countries!

The World Cup, the every four year event that marks the world's largest sporting event, kicked off yesterday in South Africa for the first time ever.

As I look over the contingent of teams vying for the title "Champion of the World," it is hard not to think about the rich history and tradition of the University of Denver Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program and to reflect on the wonderful students we have enjoyed from every corner of the world.

As World Cup 2010 gets underway, it is fitting to call attention to the countries that have a specific link to DU through students who have attended our program but call other countries home. Out of the 32 qualifiers for the World Cup in South Africa, DU is proud to have had students from the following qualifying countries:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Cameroon
• Chile
• Germany
• Ghana
• Japan
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• South Korea
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Uruguay
• United States

All told, 14 of the qualifiers are from DU "countries," thus giving our community a significant chance to win. Of course the fact that our community includes football powerhouses such as Argentina and Brazil improves our chances.

As each of us so clearly understands, while football is the world's game the challenge of using our resources carefully and prudently and being mindful of environmental protection and the need for development is also the "world's game." Each of us as individuals and all of us as community members have shown a level of commitment to these objectives. Consequently for the next month, we will enjoy the football "world game" while we also think about how best to develop, use, and protect the world's resources.

May best team win and may South Africa enjoy its historic opportunity to host the games! The fact that South Africa can host these games so soon after its tragic history of segregation and inequality should inspire all of us.

--Don Smith

Financial Times Special Report on "Sustainable Banking"

The London-based Financial Times newspaper recently published an excellent special report called "Sustainable Banking." The special report was part of the newspaper's June 3, 2010 North American issue.

According to the special report:

"Sustainable forestry, sustainable fishing, sustainable farming -- the idea of managing the earth's natural resources in a prudent way has been gaining ground rapidly in recent years...Now, so the optimists of the world's financial markets believe, there is a unique opportunity to make sustainability an integral part of banking."

Microfinance and reducing banks' carbon footprint are two of the stories in the special report.

Pew Center on Global Climate Change President Discusses Kerry-Lieberman "American Power Act"

Eileen Claussen, president of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, recently talked about the political issues associated with the proposed American Power Act, authored by Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joseph Lieberman (Ind-Conn.). You can watch her remarks on E&E TV's "On Point" show by clicking here.

A summary of the act can be accessed by clicking here.

For those who are following the machinations of Congressional action on the legislation, this 10 minute broadcast is well worth your time.

Sturm College of Law LLM Students From Brazilian Take Part in Conference Addressing Brazil-U.S. Tax Issues

Recently two Brazilian LLM students, Leandra Zanqueta (on the left) and Taciana Marques (on the right), attended a Brazilian Conference promoted by the International Fiscal Association, USA-BRASIL Branch.

According to Ms. Marques:

"We had the pleasure to be the representatives of DU at the conference. During the conference we had the opportunity to discuss the challenges that both Brazil and USA have been facing to compose a bilateral agreement about taxation between the countries.

"There is an issue regarding the agreement between Brazil and US as regards the exchange of information relating to taxes. We also discussed the role of incorporating in the American state of Delaware for multinational companies, mainly related to the fact that so many Brazilian corporations are formed in Delaware. It was a entire panel discussing the acquisition of companies in both countries and the issues arising because of the Brazilian infrastructure development.

"All and all, this conference was important for Leandra and me to interact with the potential investors from Brazil and the U.S."

2010 LLM and Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduates Honored: Part II

Enjoy more pictures from the recent reception honoring the May 2010 LLM and Masters of Resource Law Graduates, including the one at left showing Bob Noun, Executive Director for Public Affairs for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and an adjunct professor, speaking at the reception.

2010 LLM and Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduates Honored: Part I

The University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Program recently honored its 2010 graduates.

The reception brought together not only the May 2010 graduates, but also faculty members, alumni, and friends of the DU program.

Today and tomorrow we will share some of the photos from the event.

Land Use Law Society Names Board Members for 2010-2011 Academic Year

Student organizations provide students a means of being involved in the larger environmental and natural resources law community by hosting guest speakers, working at conferences, and generally networking with others who share their interests.

One of these organizations at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law is the Land Use Law Society (LULS). Leading the LULS for the upcoming academic year beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2011, will be:

• Doug Stallworthy, president
• Matt Brodahl, vice president
• Matt Arentsen, secretary
• Jamie Luckenbill, treasurer
• Dave Baker, fundraising coordinator
• Eric Wilson, recruitment coordinator

Later this year, the LULS will be profiled.