SMNR: Law, Cities, and the Environment: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Semester: Fall 2025
Course ID: 397S
Credit Hours: 3
Unique: 31089
Course Information
Course Type: Seminar
Grading Method:
Pass/Fail Not Allowed
Registration Information
Upperclass-only elective
Meeting Times
Day
Time
Location
WED
3:55 - 5:45 pm
JON 6.206
Evaluation Method
Type
Date
Time
Location
Paper
Description
Despite federalized standards, much health and environmental protection is ultimately local in nature. This is where the actual exposures and inequities occur. This is where activities that pollute and alter the natural environment take place. And this is where we also see some of the greatest forward strides in sustainability and innovation that outpace federal programs. Yet despite the pivotal role of local (and state) government as both the source and solution to environmental and public health problems, its role has not received systematic study within the law. This exploratory seminar seeks to synthesize the pockets of existing research to develop a clearer understanding of the role and future potential of local government in advancing environmental and health protection.
Wagner, Wendy E. 
Haragan, Kelly L.