Climate Regulation and Environmental Justice: The Mass v. EPA Decision

The legal landscape governing climate change and pollution control can be complex. Understanding the foundation of modern environmental policy is crucial for effective advocacy and analysis. This course provides a clear, accessible overview of the landmark Supreme Court decision Massachusetts v. EPA, explaining its origins, legal reasoning, and lasting impact on administrative law, climate regulation, and the pursuit of environmental justice. What you'll learn: * Understand the structure of US environmental law, focusing on the Clean Air Act and the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). * Analyze the legal arguments and judicial reasoning in the landmark Massachusetts v. EPA Supreme Court case. * Apply the concept of “standing” in environmental litigation and how it enables climate change lawsuits. * Examine how the ruling mandated the regulation of greenhouse gases and defined the scope of agency authority. * Practice dissecting key principles of administrative law, including the impact of the modern “major questions doctrine” on agency power. * Identify the intersection of climate regulation and environmental justice principles, focusing on disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. The course begins by defining core legal terminology and administrative concepts necessary for environmental policy analysis. We then move step-by-step through the case facts, the legal questions presented, and the majority and dissenting opinions, concluding with an analysis of the decision's long-term policy ramifications. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in environmental policy, law, and justice. No prior legal knowledge or background in environmental science is required. Start building your foundational knowledge of climate law today.