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.
March 2018
ELI and its partner Amigos Bravos drafted this Guide to help local governments integrate community input into their green infrastructure projects. It sets out eight steps that local governments can take and, for each step, provides details and tips to help local governments as they move through the process.
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February 2018
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how our society operates. AI now helps make judiciary decisions, medical diagnoses, and drives cars. The use of AI in our society also has important environmental implications. AI can help improve resource use, improve energy efficiency, predict extreme weather events, and aid in scientific research. But while AI has the potential to improve human interaction with the environment, AI can also exacerbate existing environmental issues. Some form of governance is needed to ensure that AI is deployed in a manner that is beneficial for our environment.
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January 2018
The ongoing boom in shale gas production has created a market for shale gas byproducts, including ethane, in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. "Cracker" facilities convert ethane into usable chemical products, and several of these cracker facilities are proposed or already under construction in this region. However, many residents want to know more about the potential impacts of these facilities.
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December 2017
In general, federal agencies can only expend funds allocated to them through the Congressional appropriations process. Under some circumstances, however, federal agencies are allowed to accept outside funds or share personnel with other entities. This report highlights some of these circumstances. Appropriately applied, these provisions may assist federal agencies overseeing Gulf restoration in addressing at least some of their resource constraints related to environmental compliance.
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December 2017
In February 2017, ELI released a background paper on “Fast-Tracking ‘Good’ Restoration Projects in the Gulf of Mexico,” which focused on mechanisms that are available to fast-track restoration projects that are subject to federal environmental compliance requirements (e.g., review of environmental impacts under the National Environmental Policy Act). In that paper, we noted that constraints on federal agency resources may become a significant barrier to timely action.
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