Natural Resources Law – Page 2 – Environmental and Energy Law Program

Quick Takes

Federal Court Applies SCOTUS Holding in Corner Post

District Court allows challenge and vacates an often-used 1992 Forest Service categorical exclusion in Oregon Wild v. U.S. Forest Service.

February 20, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

Alaska Roadless Rule

Under President Biden, USDA finalized a rule restoring protections in national forests, including the Tongass, which was challenged. In Aug. 2025 the USDA announced it plans to propose to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule.

January 22, 2026

Legal Analysis

One Year of Trump’s ‘Energy Emergency’ in Context and in Court

An analysis of the declaration, the policies and actions it has produced, and how they compare with historical uses of emergency authority.

January 21, 2026

Regulatory Tracker

The Izembek Refuge Road

The Dept. of Interior and King Cove Corp. (KCC) signed a land swap agreement. The contract conveyed KCC 490 acres within the refuge in exchange for 1,739 acres of KCC-owned lands that would be added to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Native Villages and environmental advocacy groups filed three lawsuits to dispute the legality of the exchange.

November 12, 2025

Regulatory Tracker

Bristol Bay and the Pebble Mine

The Biden EPA issued a Clean Water Act determination that blocked the Pebble Mine, finding the project would significantly impact the Bristol Bay watershed. A court granted the Trump DOJ’s request to stay litigation challenging that determination.

July 17, 2025

Quick Takes

Trump Administration Targets Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections

The proposal would remove a key safeguard for endangered wildlife by removing the longstanding definition of “harm,” which includes habitat modification or degradation.

May 6, 2025

CleanLaw Podcast

CleanLaw — Monumental Decisions

Sara Dewey chats with Andy Mergen about presidential authority under the Antiquities Act and what Supreme Court actions might mean for the future of our monuments.

August 22, 2024

Legal Analysis

Addressing Wildfire Risks in our National Forests

The Biden administration’s strategy to address wildfire and related health risks and how the Forest Service uses LMPs to manage national forests.

April 24, 2024

CleanLaw Podcast

CleanLaw — The Endangered Species Act at 50: Potent Statute, Risky Future

Richard Lazarus and Andy Mergen discuss the initial bipartisan support for the ESA, the Supreme Court cases that shaped its implementation, and risks it may face in the future.

January 17, 2024