Mariana Muñoz JD’21 POSITION: Litigation Law Clerk, Earthjustice PERSPECTIVE: “I have been fully engaged
ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION IN THE COVID-19 ERA Can clever tax policies help solve environmental problems? VLS’s Environmental Tax Policy Institute, directed by Professor Janet E. Milne, aims to address that question. By serving as a resource for the public and private sectors, nongovernmental organizations, the press, and academia, the institute seeks to better inform the public policy debate about the role of environmental taxes at the federal, state, and local levels. In September, the institute chaired the 21st Global Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET21) along with Aarhus University in Denmark and Macquarie University in Australia. Around 70 experts from six continents met virtually to explore a wide range of topics, all centered around the theme of Environmental Taxation in an Era of COVID-19. An opening keynote panel highlighted COVID-related opportunities and hurdles for market-based instruments, while the closing keynote session discussed litigation challenging Canada’s carbon pricing framework, argued before the highest court the week of GCET21.
Student-led Symposium Focuses on a Decarbonized Future Each fall, VLS’s student-run Vermont Journal of Environmental Law hosts a symposium drawing experts from around the country and the world. The theme of this year’s event is “Don’t be a Fossil Fool: Transitioning to, living in, and protecting a decarbonized world.” The event will include a keynote speech by University of Dundee Professor Raphael Heffron, as well as panels on clean energy, energy justice, nature-based solutions, and cyber security. It’s also free and open to the public; tune in on October 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at vermontlaw.edu/live.
Professor Milne works with students at VLS to research and develop publications on tax policy. You can reach her at jmilne@vermontlaw.edu.
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PURPOSE: “Not only does the work I do daily align with what I want to do as a practicing attorney one day, but the organization, and their work, promotes and advocates for social and environmental justice, which is why I came to law school. I want to fight for a more understanding and equitable nation that addresses challenges and inequities on their face instead of shying away from change because it may be the easier thing to do.”
P rofessor Janet Milne (right) directs the Environmental Tax Policy Institute
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL TAX POLICY INSTITUTE?
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in a variety of projects ranging from opposing challenges to bedrock environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, to conducting extensive legal research regarding standing and venue. Additionally, I am working on a project that involves determining how to bring about a suit from the start; addressing questions such as which statutes are implicated, where and how can we advocate for our clients using existing law, or whether it be more beneficial to fight against the injustice resulting from the current law. Finally, I have attended seminars with attorneys and guest speakers such as Nikkolas Smith, an “artivist” who portrays current social justice issues impacting our nation through art.”
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