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.December 1997
The Environmental Law Institute convened a one-day workshop on May 6, 1997 to allow citizens in the Washington, DC area to discuss the new community right-to-know amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The objectives of the workshop were to: (1) develop citizen awareness about drinking water quality issues; (2) help state and local governments understand the information needs of citizens who want to learn more about the quality of their drinking water; and (3) help water companies prepare user-friendly information about the quality of drinking water.
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December 1997
The Environmental Law Institute surveyed existing AIJ projects under the United States Initiative on Joint Implementation (USIJI) and AIJ projects initiated from other countries. The survey looked for evidence of transparent mechanisms and public involvement in decision-making. In addition, ELI examined development projects analogous to the AIJ framework, such as multilateral development bank investments and environmental fund investments, that included participatory elements.
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October 1997
This study examined the laws of the fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia to identify and analyze enforceable mechanisms for the control of nonpoint source water pollution. An enforceable mechanism consists of a standard applicable to an identified entity or entities; a sanction such as a civil, criminal, or administrative penalty, loss of a license, and performance of required remedial action, but not mere loss of an incentive; and a process, either explicit or implied, for applying the standard and imposing the sanction.
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October 1997
This report provides an overview of early indoor air quality programs in four states and one local government – California, Florida, Minnesota, Vermont, and Montgomery County (Maryland). The report describes the agencies involved, the key factors affecting development of the programs, and the types of program activities they implemented.
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September 1997
This report discusses specific lessons learned from the Acid Rain Program, contained in Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA), that apply to an emissions cap and allowance trading system for greenhouse gases (GHGs). Chapter II discusses the basic design features in applying an emissions cap and allowance trading system to emissions of CO2, methane and other GHGs. Chapter III evaluates lessons from Title IV, and discusses specific issues in establishing a similar regulatory system for GHGs.
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