SMNR: Electricity Law

Course Information

Registration Information

Meeting Times

Day Time Location
FRI 10:30 am - 12:20 pm TNH 3.114

Evaluation Method

Type Date Time Location
Paper

Description

This seminar will investigate recent developments in federal, state, and local laws and policies that influence the generation of electricity and its transmission and distribution to businesses, homes, and industry. We will discuss how power plants (fueled by coal, natural gas, oil, or nuclear energy) are regulated, looking at the permits that they must obtain and the conditions within those permits, including, for some types of plants, possible controls on the emission of greenhouse gases within the next several years. We will also investigate other sources of electricity, such as hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, and solar, and how state and local laws are evolving to accommodate, encourage, and regulate these sources and their associated transmission lines. Further, we will delve into the demand side, looking at new standards and policies for efficient consumption of electricity by homes and businesses, from LEED and Austin Energy Green Building certification, to ENERGY STAR homes and appliances, "Smart Grids," "Smart Meters," and utility decoupling. I anticipate that we will have several guest speakers to update us on the recent developments in the field. Students will be expected to write a paper (minimum 30 double-spaced pages) on a topic in electricity/energy law, which must address a legal and/or policy issue in this area.

Instructors

Headshot of Wiseman, Hannah J Wiseman, Hannah J
Log In to View Course Evaluations