Previous Events & CLE Programs
June 30, 2008
Section Meeting
The Oceans Act
Sponsors
Environmental Law Section
Wetlands, Waterways & Water Quality Committee
Join Kenneth Kimmell, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Susan Reid, Conservation Law Foundation as they provide an overview of the Oceans Act. On May 28, 2008, Governor Patrick signed the Oceans Act of 2008, legislation that will require Massachusetts to develop a first-in-the-nation comprehensive plan to manage development in its state waters, balancing natural resource preservation with traditional and new uses, including renewable energy. The legislation is the result of several years of negotiation and collaboration among legislators, environmental groups, fishing organizations and other ocean users. The speakers will discuss the directives contained in the legislation as well as considerations for implementation of the new law.
June 25, 2008
Section Meeting
Environmental Priorities at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
Sponsors
Environmental Law Section
Criminal Law Section
Jim Milkey, Chief of the Attorney General's Environmental Protection Division, and Andrew Rainer, Chief of the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Strike Force, will discuss recent developments and current priorities in civil and criminal enforcement, and other AG environmental initiatives.
June 13, 2008
CLE Program
Chapter 21E: Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary With A Discussion Of Its Latest Developments
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the enactment of Chapter 21E, the state’s Oil and Hazardous Material Release Prevention and Response Act. The “old” Massachusetts Contingency Plan was promulgated 20 years ago and the “new” MCP is 15 years old. It has been 10 years since the Brownfields Amendments were enacted. With all these milestones have come significant developments in the way lawyers, judges, Licensed Site Professionals, and regulators work with and interpret this complex law.
Click here for complete program description.
June 3, 2008
Section Event
Summer Patio Party
Come mingle with old colleagues and meet new
ones while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the patio!
Complimentary valet parking is available. For directions, please click here.
*Please note: There is no cost for this event
May 20, 2008
Section Meeting
Priorities and Initiatives of the Department of Conservation and Recreation
Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan, Jr., Department of Conservation and Recreation, will provide an overview of DCR's core mission which is to serve as curator for the Commonwealth's world-renown landmarks, including:
- The Esplanade and Hatch Shell,
- Urban and State Parks,
- Beaches,
- Islands,
- Pools,
- Farms,
- Forests,
- Quarries,
- Bridges, and
- Hiking, horseback and biking trails.
Commissioner Sullivan will also discuss the agency's priorities in carrying out its mission, including providing funds for capital improvements and enhancing partnerships with various stakeholders and constituents.
April 15, 2008
Section Meeting
Current Issues in Environmental Legislation and Policy
George Bachrach, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, will discuss ELM's current projects and policy priorities.
April 3, 2008
Section Meeting
DEP Enforcement Update
Sponsors
Environmental Litigation Committee
Environmental Law Section
Laurie Burt, Commissioner, Margaret Stolfa, General Counsel, and Pamela Talbot, Head of the Office of Enforcement, at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will provide an update of enforcement successes, initiatives, and priorities.
March 10, 2008
Section Meeting
Environmental Issues Don't Have to Tank a Deal
Sponsors
Insurance Law Committee
Environmental Law Section
Michael Balmer, Willis National Environmental Practice Leader, Cynthia Retallick and Paolo Macciaroli of TRC Solutions will discuss the use of insurance and other risk tranfer techniques to manage environmental risks arising in development and real estate deals.
March 7, 2008
Section Event
Ski Trip: Loon Mountain
A group of Boston area environmental lawyers active in the Environmental Law Section are planning a ski day at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH, which will hopefully become an annual tradition.
Tentative plans call for arranging bus transportation, a ski day at Loon and food and drink thereafter at the base of the mountain. Skiers of all abilities and nonskiers are welcome for a day of outdoor fun and fellowship. Non-skiers can participate in tubing, snowshoeing, climbing and cross-country skiing - or even a massage. The planning committee consists of Chris Davis, Ham Hackney, Ralph Child, Carl Dierker, Steve Leonard and Ken Whittaker. Please RSVP to Ham Hackney at hackneyha@gtlaw.com
February 29, 2008
Section Meeting
The Biolab Case and MEPA: the Supreme Judicial Court's decision in Allen v. BRA
We will discuss the recent SJC decision in Allen v. BRA, which overturned the Secretary of Environmental Affairs certificate on an environmental impact report for the Biolab development in Boston's South End. Ken Kimmell, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Douglas H. Wilkins, Anderson & Kreiger LLP, and Ronald W. Ruth, Sherin & Lodgen LLP, will be with us to provide their perspectives on the SJC's opinion and its implications for future MEPA administration and litigation.
February 13, 2008
CLE Program
Green Building: Regulatory Trends & Legal Strategies
Sponsors
Environmental Law Section
Real Estate Law Section
This program will provide an overview for attorneys counseling clients who are considering building a green building. The panelists will discuss the LEED certification standards, state and local incentives and rules to support green building, unique liability issues that arise with green building projects, and how green building developments fit into land use practice. At the end of the program, attendees will have a better understanding of how advise clients in this emerging field.
Click here for complete program description.
February 7, 2008
Section Meeting
Time Management: Tips for Powering up Productivity and Powering Down Stress -
Sponsors
Solo & Small Firm Section
New Lawyers Section
Bankruptcy Law Section
Criminal Law Section
Environmental Law Section
Anne Braudy, Braudy Legal Consulting, and Dr. Jeffery Fortgang, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Inc., will offer specific recommendations on how to run your practice more efficiently. Goals are to:
- increase productivity
- free up time for what's missing in your practice
- complete more projects, and
- have more time away from the office.
In addition to time management tips, strategies will be provided to help combat the internal obstacles that get in the way of applying these time-tested methods in your practice.
December 18, 2007
Section Meeting
Clean Energy Legislation in Massachusetts
Ann Berwick, Undersecretary for Energy in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Robert Rio, Senior Vice President and Counsel for Associated Industries of Massachusetts, will offer their perspectives on the recently-passed Green Communities bill (amended as House Bill 4373), intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support renewable energy, and encourage energy conservation and efficiency. We will also discuss the energy issues likely to be taken up by the Senate in 2008.
December 12, 2007
Section Event
Annual Holiday Party
Join us for our annual Environmental Law Section holiday party. Drinks, hors d'oeuvres, fine music and good conversation will be awaiting you.
December 6, 2007
CLE Program
2007 Changes to Massachusetts Wetlands Permit Appeal Regulations
Sponsored by: Wetlands, Waterways & Water Quality Committee of the Environmental Law Section
As part of the Patrick Administration’s efforts to streamline permitting in Massachusetts, MassDEP is promulgating regulatory changes that will expedite its wetlands permit appeal process. The revisions are expected to be promulgated by November, 2007 and will, among other things, limit the parties that may initiate an appeal, require parties to present their evidence early in the proceedings, and establish a six month deadline for the appeal to be resolved. Understanding these changes is critical not only to effective participation in the appeal process, but also effective participation in the Conservation Commission and MassDEP proceedings leading to any appeal.
Click here for complete program description
November 20, 2007
Section Meeting
Goals and Priorities of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Secretary Ian A. Bowles of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will give an overview of the goals and priorities of this reorganized secretariat.
October 30, 2007
Section Meeting
Smart Growth Development and Implementation of New Local Land Use Regulations
Kurt Gaertner, Director of Land Use Policy for the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will discuss the Commonwealth’s efforts to promote smart growth, focusing on EOEEA’s Smart Growth Toolkit, which provides guidance on planning and zoning techniques and model bylaws to cities and towns. Ed Himlan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition, and Mark Racicot, Government Services Manager for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, will discuss their experiences using the Toolkit to assist in implementation of smart growth land use techniques.
October 16, 2007
Section Event
Reception for Laurie Burt, New MassDEP Commissioner
Join us as we congratulate Laurie Burt on her appointment as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
June 21, 2007
Section Event
Policy Considerations for Advancing the Patrick Administration’s Goals for Clean Energy and the Environment
Sponsors
Environmental Law Section
Energy & Telecommunications Law Committee
David W. Cash, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Policy at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will discuss the policy issues facing the new Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs as it works to promote an agenda of clean and renewable energy while maintaining a high degree of environmental protection in Massachusetts.
June 14, 2007
Section Event
Summer Patio Party
The Chart House Restaurant
60 Long Wharf
Boston, MA
Come mingle with old colleagues and meet new
ones while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the patio
Complimentary valet parking is available.
For directions, please click here.
May 15, 2007
Section Meeting
MAPC’s Metro Future Plan
Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) will discuss the Council’s Metro Future Project. Specifically, he will discuss:
- what the plan is;
- what it will mean for environmental protection and land use;
- how MAPC proposes to implement the plan.
May 8, 2007
Section Meeting
Key Environmental Issues in U.S. EPA Region I
This program offers a unique opportunity to engage in dialogue with policy makers and representatives of the legal profession involved in environmental issues in New England. This regional seminar has been planned by local state bar representatives, EPA regional lawyers, and state government representatives. Special emphasis is placed on program initiatives and priorities both in Region 1 and in the six states as presented by EPA Regional Administrator Robert Varney, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles and the Commissioners of the six New England state environmental agencies. The program includes a keynote address from EPA Acting General Counsel Roger Martella. Pertinent issues of the day – emerging issues under the Clean Air Act and in water regulation, Superfund, brownfields, energy facility siting, enforcement, and ethics – are covered in the seven general and breakout sessions.
As a co-sponsor, BBA Members receive a discount. For further information and registration details, please click here.
This program is co-sponsored by the US EPA, Region I Boston Bar Association; Connecticut Bar Association, Environmental Law Section; Maine State Bar Association, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section; New Hampshire Bar Association, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section; Rhode Island Bar Association; Vermont Bar Association, Environmental Law Section.
April 27, 2007
Environmental Law Public Policy Committee Meeting
Environmental Justice Legislation
Massachusetts Senator Jarrett T. Barrios and David Begelfer of the NAIOP Massachusetts Chapter will discuss environmental justice legislation and related issues.
April 17, 2007
Section Meeting
The New EOEEA: Priorities and Challenges
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will discuss the priorities and challenges of the new Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Ken Kimmell, EOEEA General Counsel, will join Secretary Bowles in discussing the priorities and challenges of the new Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
March 29, 2007
Section Presentation
The BBA Welcomes Attorney General Martha Coakley
Sponsors
Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Section
Criminal Law Section
Environmental Law Section
Intellectual Property Law Section
Litigation Section
Solo & Small Firm Section
Attorney General Martha Coakley will outline her priorities for her administration, with specific emphasis on criminal matters. Please join us for this unique opportunity to hear from and speak with the Attorney General about her plans.
A reception will follow the program.
March 20, 2007
Section Meeting
Environmental Legislation 2007: Priorities and the Fast Track
Senator Pamela Resor and Representative Frank Smizik, Co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture of the Massachusetts General Court, will discuss their priorities for the legislative session as well as other important legislation that they expect the Committee will consider.
February 20, 2007
Section Meeting
Permitting Ombudsman – Bialecki
Gregory P. Bialecki, a partner at DLA Piper, will talk about his plans as the first permitting ombudsman. Gov. Patrick named him under the permit streamlining law, Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2006. The administration’s goals are:
- enable "one-stop shopping" for businesses seeking permits and approvals to expand in Massachusetts;
- reduce permit and approval time to 6 months
February 2, 2007
CLEl Program
Recent Developments in Land Use Permitting
Sponsors
Environmental Law Section
Real Estate Section
Permit streamlining legislation and the implementation of the endangered species regulations have had a profound impact on the development permitting process. Attend this program to learn how the implementation of these changes will affect specific development projects. This program is designed for land use attorneys and their developer and municipal clients.
Click here for complete program description.
January 16, 2007
Section Meeting
Susan Studlien, Director of the Office of Environmental Stewardship, EPA Region I, will discuss EPA Region I’s enforcement and compliance assurance accomplishments in 2006 and priorities for 2007. This is an opportunity to ask questions of and make suggestions to the person who now directs local EPA enforcement.
December 21, 2006
Section Meeting
Arguing Massachusetts’ Clean Air Act Case in the U.S. Supreme Court
Jim Milkey, Chief of the Environmental Protection Division of the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, will discuss his recent argument to the United States Supreme Court in Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA, No. 05-1120. In the case, Massachusetts and 28 other petitioners are challenging EPA's refusal to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the federal Clean Air Act.
December 14, 2006
Section Event
Holiday Party
We invite you to share in some holiday cheer. Drinks, hors d'oeuvres, fine music and good conversation will be awaiting you.
November 21, 2006
Section Meeting
The Triple Bottom Line
Andrew W. Savitz, a senior consultant at Sustainable Business Strategies, will discuss the research and findings underlying his recently-released book: The Triple Bottom Line: How the Best Run Companies are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success – and How You Can Too.
Mr. Savitz created the environmental advisory services practice at Coopers & Lybrand, and was partner-in-charge of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Management services.
October 17, 2006
Section Meeting
Robert W. Golledge, Jr., Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, will share his goals and priorities for his new position as EOEA Secretary.
September 22, 2006
Section Meeting
Environmental Legislation on Beacon Hill
James R. Gomes, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, will discuss recent environmental legislation and preview the coming year.
June 20, 2006
Section Meeting
A Conversation with Andrew Gottlieb
Andrew Gottlieb, appointed by Governor Romney in April as Chief of the Office of Commonwealth Development, will discuss his plans and goals for the Office which coordinates Massachusetts’ environmental, housing, and transportation programs.
June 15, 2006
Section Event
Summer Patio Party
Come mingle with old colleagues and meet new ones while enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the patio!
Complimentary valet parking is available. For directions, please click here.
May 30, 2006
Section Meeting
Alternative Dispute Resolution in the EPA Administrative Process
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Chief Administrative Law Judge Susan L. Biro will visit from Washington, D.C. to discuss using alternative dispute resolution for issues pending before EPA’s administrative law judges. See http://www.epa.gov/oalj/about.htm.
May 16, 2006
CLE Program
Redeveloping Brownfields
Full program description
While brownfields offer many opportunities for redevelopment, the realities of how to buy, sell, finance and redevelop these properties, all while managing a cleanup and liability risk, are still a mystery to many. By attending this program you will learn the latest developments in brownfields transactions, including real examples of projects that are getting built today.
April 18, 2006
Section Meeting
Act Relative to Streamlining & Expediting the Permitting Process in the Commonwealth -
Join us for a discussion of the recently-filed act relative to streamlining & expediting the permitting process in the Commonwealth. This legislation has attracted widespread attention, including an article that appeared on March 7th in The Boston Globe, and will likely be taken up shortly in the House of Representatives.
Speakers:
March 21, 2006
Section Meeting
A Conversation with Representative Marzilli
State Representative J. James Marzilli, Jr. will discuss the most recent U.N. Climate Change Conference in Montreal in which he participated in December, and also give his thoughts on whether the Massachusetts General Court might pass legislation to implement all or part of the regional greenhouse gas initiative.
In addition to representing parts of Arlington and Medford in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Rep. Marzilli is also co-chair of the Energy and Environment Committee of the Council of State Governments, eastern region.
February 21, 2006
Section Meeting
Metro Future Project
Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, will discuss the status and next steps for MAPC’s Metro Future Project, including the environmental issues that have surfaced to date.
The Metro Future Project is a large scale participatory initiative to develop a vision for the Boston Metro region’s future and a strategy to get there. It will project what the region may look like in 2030, considering past and current trends.
February 13, 2006
Section Event
Meet U.S. EPA Region I Administrator Varney and MassDEP Commissioner Golledge
Sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute
Join us for a lunch discussion featuring U.S.Environmental Protection Agency Region I Administrator Robert Varney and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Golledge. They will discuss priorities, accomplishments, and challenges at U.S. EPA Region I and MassDEP.
January 17, 2006
Section Meeting
Commissioner of the DCR
Stephen H. Burrington, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, will kick off the new year by discussing DCR’s programs and priorities in 2006.
December 20, 2005
Section Meeting
Professor Daniel Faber, Northeastern University, will discuss his recently released report, Unequal Exposure to Ecological Hazards 2005: Environmental Injustices in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and State Senator Jarrett T. Barrios will discuss Senate Bill 471, An Act to Promote Environmental Justice in the Commonwealth, that he has introduced.
December 15, 2005
Section Event
Annual Holiday Party
We invite you to share in some holiday cheer. Drinks, hors d'oeuvres, fine music and good conversation will be awaiting you.
December 6, 2005
CLE Program
Chapter 21E Litigation: Latest Developments
Full Program Description
There are constantly new developments and challenges in the practice of law under Chapter 21E, as evidenced by recent trial court and appellate decisions.
This program will explore some of the areas addressed by the courts recently, including:
- Joint and several liability and other lessons from Commonwealth v.Boston Edison Company, et al.;
- The effect of Aviall on contribution claims;
- Insurance coverage for environmental claims; and
- Successor liability, operator liability and veil-piercing
November 30, 2005
Section Meeting
Bruce Babbitt Book Signing
Bruce Babbitt, former Secretary of the Interior, will discuss and sign his new book “ Cities in the Wilderness: A New Vision of Land Use in America."
November 15, 2005
Section Meeting
Environmental Law under the Bush Administration
Patrick A. Parenteau, Professor of Law and Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic at the University of Vermont will lead a talk about Environmental Law and Policy under the Bush administration. Specifically, he will speak about the rule of law and transparent government. This discussion is sure to spark some lively debate.
For a preview of Prof. Parenteau’s perspective on these issues, please see his recent article, “Anything Industry Wants—Environmental Policy Under Bush 2.”
October 18, 2005
Section Meeting
Stephen R. Pritchard, Secretary of Environmental Affairs will discuss his months as EOEA Secretary and his priorities for EOEA.
September 30, 2005
Section Meeting
Ann R. Klee, General Counsel of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, will discuss the EPA's priorities and perspectives on current environmental issues. |
