Annual APIEL Conference (Appalachian Public Interest and Environmental Law)

Annual APIEL Conference
(Appalachian Public Interest and Environmental Law)

APIEL 2024

The 15th Anniversary of the Appalachian Public Interest and Environmental Law Conference (APIEL) will take place on October 5, 2024, at The University of Tennessee College of Law.

APIEL is an annual gathering of lawyers, scientists, students, and members of the general public to discuss environmental issues and happenings in Appalachia, public policy, and grassroots initiatives. We aim to create a dialogue between lawyers, activists, and scientists on the local areas of need and foster engagement within the community to be forces of change in the legal realm.

We encourage you to mark your calendars, and if you are interested in participating as a speaker or panelist please complete the call for proposal form below.

For scientists, activists, and community members, use this form

For lawyers and others whose topics qualify for CLE, see this form for details

APIEL 2023 Schedule

14th Annual Appalachian Public Interest and Environmental Law (APIEL) Conference Schedule

Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the University of Tennessee College of Law

8:30 AM — 9:00 AM

Registration, Breakfast, & Opening Remarks from Dean Higdon

9:00 AM — 10:00 AM

1 Dual Credit

Room 132

Using Consumer Class Actions as a Tool for Reducing Toxic Chemicals in our Environment

Presenters: Alex Honeycutt and Mark Silvey

10:10 AM — 11:10 AM

1 General Credit

Room 132

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990: Successes and Challenges

Presenters: Dr. Ellen Lofaro and Megan Kleeschulte, M.A

Room 135

Fighting TVA’s Fossil Fuel Buildout and the Implications of the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act – The Cumberland Campaign Story

Presenter: Angie Mummaw

11:20 AM — 12:20 PM

1 General Credit

Room 132

Ethical Considerations for Environmental Lawyers & Other Practitioners

Presenter: Dr. Joe Jarret

12:30 PM — 1:30 PM

Lunch Break

1:40 PM — 2:40 PM

1 General Credit

Room 132

PFAS: Legal and Scientific Sampling Updates

Presenter: Shelby R.B. Ward

Room 135

Mining and TDEC’s New Division of Mineral and Geologic Resources

Presenter: James Marr

2:50 PM — 3:50 PM

1 General Credit

Room 132

NEPA Shortcuts: Shortchanging our Public Lands

Presenters: Susannah Knox, Henry Gargan, and Alyson Merlin

4:00 PM — 5:00 PM

1 General Credit

Room 132

Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River
Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project

Presenter: Jeff Hunter

Room 135

Southern Organizing, Climate Change, and the Legal Industry

Presenters: Haley Czarnek and Jamie Smith

6:00 PM — 9:00 PM

Social Event at Hi-Wire Brewing Company