8:30am - 9:00am: Breakfast and Check-in
9:00am - 9:45am: Opening Remarks, Introduction, and Keynote
Opening Remarks
Dr. Benjamin Houlton, Director, John Muir Institute of the Environment, UC Davis
Professor Richard Frank, Director, California Environmental Law and Policy Center, UC Davis School of Law
Introduction
Symposium Organizers
Bridget McDonald ’19, Ellen Simmons ’19, Coral Walker ’19
Keynote Presentation
Deldi Reyes, Environmental Justice Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9
9:45am - 9:55am: Morning Break
9:55am - 11:10am: PANEL 1 – Presented by the Environmental Law Society
The Urban Environment: Protecting Public & Environmental Health in the Era of Climate Change
Population growth, urbanization, and sprawl, have transformed the modern landscape of land use, while increasing demand for natural resources and adversely affecting local communities. As climate change exacerbates these issues, decision makers must implement innovative ways to protect public and environmental health. This panel will explore the disproportionate impacts on pulmonary health stemming from rising airborne pollutants and intensifying climate patterns. Panelists will discuss recent scientific findings on such impacts, along with regulatory developments, evolving policies, and viable solutions for future generations to employ.
Veronica Eady, Assistant Executive Officer of Environmental Justice, California Air Resources Board
Julian Leichty, Special Assistant for Programs and Legislation, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Bill Magavern, Policy Director, Coalition for Clean Air
Dr. Kent E. Pinkerton, Professor of Pediatrics and Faculty Researcher, UC Davis Air Quality Research Center
Moderators: Bridget McDonald & Coral Walker, UC Davis School of Law (‘19)
11:10am - 11:20am: Morning Break
11:20am - 12:35pm: PANEL 2 – Presented by the Aoki Center
Restoring the Balance in Indian Country
Settler colonialism has decimated tribal natural resources like land, water, and fish, and ravaged the culture, religion, and livelihoods of Native people. This panel will examine recent efforts to mitigate the impacts of such environmental destruction and discuss the obstacles to these efforts that continue to exist. Speakers will explore how the particular indigenous experience requires a broader conception of environmental justice by lawyers and judges, and a deeper understanding of the present day impacts of colonialism. Specific projects like dam removal in the Klamath Basin, acquisition of ancestral land, and enhanced governmental recognition of tribal sovereignty will be considered.
Michael Belchik, Senior Water Policy Analyst, Yurok Tribe
Thomas Gibson, Under Secretary, the California Natural Resources Agency
Brittani Orana, Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs Specialist, California Department of Toxic Substances Control
Christina Snider, Tribal Affairs Advisor to Governor Jerry Brown; Executive Secretary, Native American Heritage Commission
Moderator: Beth Rose Middleton, Associate Professor, Native American Studies, UC Davis
12:35pm - 1:20pm: Lunch
1:20pm - 2:35pm: PANEL 3 – Presented by the Aoki Center
Environmental Justice in the Central Valley
he Central Valley is a landscape of contrasts – ground that feeds the world but lacks safe drinking water, producer of immense wealth and abject poverty, sparkling mansions and toxic air quality, vibrant cultural diversity and persistent racial discrimination. As low-income communities of color bear the brunt of environmental hazards created by topography, politics, and Big Ag, this panel explores what roles the major powers are playing and should play in exposing and eliminating those dangers and inequities. Speakers will discuss how grassroots organizing, community-engaged research, educational campaigns, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and collaborative efforts with governmental agencies are tools that lawyers, academics, and community activists are utilizing in this effort.
Nayamin Martinez, Director, Central California Environmental Justice Network
Dr. Mario Sifuentez, Assistant Professor, Department of History, UC Merced
Janaki Jagannath, Former Coordinator, Community Alliance for Agroecology
Ashley Werner, Senior Attorney, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability
Moderator: Camille Pannu, Director, Aoki Center Water Justice Clinic, UC Davis School of Law
2:35pm - 2:45pm: Afternoon Break
2:45pm - 4:00pm: PANEL 4 – Presented by the Environmental Law Society
Lessons from the California Wildfires: Legal Implications of the Expanding Urban-Wildland Interface
2017 marked one of the most catastrophic and devastating fire seasons in California state history. Moving forward, these tragic events serve as a valuable tool for the future. As a changing climate and urban growth increase the occurrence and impact of wildfires, communities must find ways to avoid and ameliorate the destruction. This panel will discuss regulatory requirements and enforcement actions by CAL FIRE, policy-based solutions to potentially dangerous energy infrastructure, and ecological efforts to minimize risk to communities. Finally, the panel will cover legal remedies available to those whose property has fallen victim to wildfire.
Kenneth Holbrook, Executive Director, Maidu Summit Consortium & Conservancy
Toby McCartt, Staff Counsel, CAL-FIRE
Kristine Meredith, Attorney, NorCal Fire Lawyers
Steven Weismann, Senior Policy Advisor, UC Berkeley Center for Sustainable Energy
Moderator: Ellen Simmons, UC Davis School of Law (‘19)