The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the energy law and the development of alternative energy sources.  The course will introduce students to traditional elements of energy law, including:  PURPA, PUHCA, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and laws related to state utility regulation, ratemaking, wholesale power markets and resource portfolios.  The course will not cover oil and gas law, as this is covered in another course.  The course will introduce students to the law and policy surrounding the development of traditional energy resources, including coal and nuclear energy.  By way of comparison, the course will then introduce students to the development of alternative energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro, and biofuels.  Finally, the proposed course will challenge students to reconsider energy law in the 21st Century.

Following completion of the course, students should be familiar with the fundamentals of “traditional” energy law, as well as emerging areas related to alternative energy development.  Students will become familiar with the myriad of regulations employed to regulate the development of energy.  Students should also improve oral presentation, critical thinking, and problem solving skills by leading and participating in classroom discussion.