Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tulane Environmental Law Society
The chemical lobby in Louisiana has declared war on Tulane University’s environmental law program, long the bane of existence for corporate polluters.
As part of a multi-pronged strategy, the Louisiana Chemical Association is urging all of its members to stop donating to Tulane and cease recruiting its graduates unless school officials reign in the Environmental Law Clinic. Dan Borné, president of the association, has accused the law program of being a job killer for trying to stop development projects and suing businesses.
The chemical lobby also is pushing a bill in the Louisiana legislature that would ban state funding for any university with law clinics that sue a government agency or business or seek monetary damages from individuals or businesses The legislation was crafted with Tulane’s program specifically in mind, but as currently drafted, it would impact other universities as well. Tulane’s environmental law clinic is acutuall funded by tuition and private donations. The bill submitted by Republican State Senator Robert Adley, who switched parties in 2007. Adley is the owner of the Pelican Gas Management Company.
Scott Cowen, Tulane’s president, said the chemical association was embarrassing itself with its actions to curb the work of the environmental law clinic. The Louisiana State Bar Association has come out in opposition to the bill.
-Noel Brinkerhoff
Oil Industry Targets Tulane University for Its Environmental Law Clinic (by Sabrina Canfield, Courthouse News Service)
Chemical Association Escalates Attack on Tulane Over Law Clinic (by Karen Sloan, National Law Journal)
Bill Could Hobble Louisiana's Law Clinics (by Sonia Smith, Associated Press)
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