The publication of the second edition of Advanced Introduction to U.S. Environmental Law underscores the enduring importance of accessible, practical resources in a field shaped by ongoing regulatory, legal, and policy developments. Written by E&W Law’s own E. Donald Elliott, along with fellow leading environmental law scholars and practitioners Daniel C. Esty (professor, Yale School of the Environment) and Adam Babich (professor, Tulane Law School), the updated primer examines the statutes, regulatory frameworks, and recurring themes that define environmental law in the United States today.
The second edition covers core environmental statutes and programs, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, FIFRA, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, while also addressing broader topics such as climate change, biodiversity protection, environmental governance, and corporate sustainability. The book also includes a discussion of recent developments in environmental and administrative law, providing readers with insight into how environmental regulation continues to evolve.
The publication has drawn praise from prominent figures across the environmental law community. E&W Law’s Susan Bodine described it as “the best basic primer on environmental law in publication,” highlighting its accessibility for readers without legal backgrounds.
Additionally, Janet Coit, formerly with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, noted that the updated edition provides a useful resource for everyone from policymakers and government officials to advocates and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of environmental law and policy. Seth D. Jaffe, of Foley Hoag LLP and American College of Environmental Lawyers, emphasized the book’s ability to provide both sophisticated analysis for experienced readers and practical explanations for beginners. And Scott Fulton, with the Environmental Law Institute, called it “a go-to resource for anyone involved in building our environmental future.”
E. Donald Elliott is a leading environmental lawyer, former EPA General Counsel, and distinguished legal scholar. In addition to heading environmental practice groups at major international law firms, he served as a professor of law at Yale Law School, was appointed Yangtze River Distinguished Professor at Guangzhou Law School in China, and served as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Widely recognized for his expertise in environmental, energy, chemical safety, and regulatory law, Don has been consistently ranked among the nation’s leading environmental attorneys.
The book can be purchased from Edward Elgar Publishing in hardback, paperback, and eBook formats, with examination copies available for course leaders. It is also available from Edward Elgar’s Advanced Introductions to Law online resource.
