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.
June 2006
ELI is currently conducting a multi-phased study designed to describe and analyze seven "core" components of state wetland programs: state laws, regulations, and programs; monitoring and assessment; restoration programs and activities; water quality standards; public-private partnerships; coordination among state and federal agencies; and education and outreach activities. Each phase of the study examines a cross-section of states representing various approaches to wetland protection and regulation, as well as geographic diversity.
Read More >
June 2006
The Status and Character of In-Lieu Fee Mitigation in the United States provides a comprehensive profile of the nation's active aquatic resource in-lieu fee mitigation programs. The report is the first to examine, in-depth, the status and administration of in-lieu fee mitigation in the nation, including detailed discussion of federal in-lieu fee policy and extensive analysis of how in-lieu programs implement such policies. The study was made possible by a generous grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Read More >
April 2006
ELI’s groundbreaking mitigation research continues with the completion of the 2005 Status Report on Compensatory Mitigation in the United States. The report, an update of the seminal 2001 Banks and Fees Study, is designed to determine the extent and nature of wetland mitigation banking and in-lieu fee mitigation activities in the nation.
Read More >
February 2006
ELI submitted these comments to the House Resources Committee Task Force on Improving/Updating the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that warn the Task Force’s draft recommendations could have the unintended consequences of increasing NEPA litigation and cutting the public out of important federal decision-making.
Read More >
January 2006
The National Forum on Synergies Between Water Quality Trading and Wetland Mitigation Banking report summarizes the discussions from the Forum, held July 11-12, 2005, in Washington DC. The two-day event was designed to bring together experts in wetland mitigation banking with those in the water quality trading community to facilitate a dialogue on stimulating future markets in water quality trading.
Read More >