Special Topics in Civil and Environmental Engineering: "Energy Policy and Law"

This course is a survey of the major laws that regulate the acquisition of energy resources, the conversion of energy resources into usable energy, and the energy transmission and transportation infrastructure.  The course explores the regulatory requirements that apply to several major energy-producing industries including oil and gas, coal, nuclear, wind and solar. The course also covers the regulatory systems for the electric grid, pipeline infrastructure and the transportation of energy commodities using rail and truck.  The course concludes by reviewing regulatory incentives for the efficient use of energy by mobile sources and in the built environment. The course will enable non-legal professionals to understand the regulatory context in which business and management decisions about energy are made. The course will also give each student the opportunity to explore a self-selected, current energy topic through independent research.