Research Reports
ELI publishes Research Reports available for free download that present the analysis and conclusions of the policy studies ELI undertakes to improve environmental law and policy. These reports contribute to education of the profession and disseminate diverse points of view and opinions to stimulate a robust and creative exchange of ideas. Those publications, which express opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Institute, its Board of Directors, or funding organizations, exemplify ELI’s commitment to dialogue with all sectors.
December 2003
Conservation Thresholds for Land Use Planners provides a review and synthesis of information from the most up-to-date scientific literature to provide basic thresholds to land use planners to rely upon when making decisions affecting biodiversity. With more than 1,400 papers and abstracts reviewed for the project and a total of 160 papers selected for inclusion in the review, the report covers conservation thresholds on habitat patch area, percent suitable habitat, edge effects, riparian buffers, and corridors.
Read More >
October 2003
Issues Relating to Articles 14 and 15 of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation analyzes recent Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Council resolutions that limit public review and hinder the citizen submissions process of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. The report finds that, by limiting the scope of investigation in each of the records examined, the Council jeopardized the ability of the citizen submitters to fully expose the controversy at issue.
Read More >
September 2003
"Seventy-five percent of our nation's school buildings remain inadequate to meet the needs of school children," according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Public school districts nationwide have spent over $20 billion each year over the past three years on school building projects, and spending levels are expected to remain at or near these levels for the next few years.
Read More >
August 2003
The Chesapeake 2000 Tax Policy Study is designed to identify tax policies thatmay affect the parties' abilities to meet the sound land use goals of the Agreement.
Read More >
August 2003
Oil fields are abundant in the Niger Delta and provide the Nigerian government with much of its revenue. Environmental damage caused by oil production activities including exploration, drilling, production, transportation, and refining threatens biodiversity of the Niger Delta and the livelihoods of its inhabitants. Many of the people in the Niger Delta depend on the abundant natural resources of the delta for fishing, herbal medicines, food, fiber, and other uses.
Read More >