For the past 27 years, the University has hosted the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. Organized by students, the conference draws activists and citizens from all over the world, with attendance commonly exceeding 3,000 people, organizers said. This year’s conference begins today and runs through Sunday. It will take place in the William W. Knight Law Center and the EMU.
One of the main attractions of this year’s conference is a presentation by Pablo Mendoza on Thursday at 7 p.m. Mendoza is a renowned environmental lawyer and the recipient of the 2008 Goldman Prize for outstanding effort in environmental protection.
A showing of Mendoza’s recent documentary, “Crude,” at 5 p.m. will follow his speech. Both the presentation and film showing will take place in the EMU Ballroom. Other keynote speakers will deliver presentations throughout the week.
There will also be panel discussions in the Knight Law Center on topics such as the link between trade and global warming, the consequences of coal and nuclear plants as alternative energy sources and the preservation of Oregon’s forests and coastal environment.
Daily conference registration is open to anyone and begins today at 2 p.m., 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Visit pielc.org for a complete schedule of events.
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