Environmental Law Institute

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) makes law work for people, places, and the planet.

Vision Statement

ELI’s Vision calls for “a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law.” What ELI does to help guide society toward that vision is described in its mission statement:

Mission Statement

ELI fosters innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress. ELI:

• Builds the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
• Researches and analyzes complex and pressing environmental challenges
• Promotes and disseminates the best thinking through print and electronic media
• Convenes people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust debate

More About Us

Since 1969, ELI has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, domestically and abroad. Today, we enter our fifth decade as an internationally recognized, non-partisan research and education center working to strengthen environmental protection by improving law and governance worldwide.

We deliver insightful and impartial analysis to opinion makers, including government officials, environmental and business leaders, academics, members of the environmental bar, and journalists. ELI is a clearinghouse and a town hall, providing common ground for debate on important environmental issues.

The Institute advances innovative and practical solutions to environmental challenges through its Publications and Associates group. We publish the Environmental Law Reporter®, The Environmental Forum®, the National Wetlands Newsletter, and books on environmental law and policy. We educate and build bridges among the various environmental stakeholders through ELI’s membership program, which convenes environmental professionals from all sectors and offers seminars on timely topics presented by leading experts and practitioners.

The Institute’s Research and Policy group produces research reports and policy recommendations on critical areas of environmental governance. Our work is primarily focused on protecting water resources, land, and biodiversity; safeguarding the global commons (earth’s climate and oceans); and improving environmental law and its implementation in the U.S. and internationally. Education and training programs for public officials, judges, citizens, and factory managers are a large part of ELI’s agenda.

The Institute is governed by a board of directors who present a diverse mix of leaders within the environmental profession and others who support strengthening environmental law and policy. Support for the Institute comes from individuals, foundations, government, corporations, law firms, and other sources.