Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an independent research and education center involved in developing environmental laws and policies at both national and international levels. The institute was founded in 1969 by the Public Law Education Institute and the Conservation Foundation to conduct and promote research on environmental law. In the ensuing years it has maintained a strong and effective presence in forums ranging from college courses to law conferences. For example, ELI has organized instructional courses at universities for both federal and non-governmental agencies. In addition, it has sponsored conferences in conjunction with such bodies as the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute, and the Smithsonian Institute.

Within the field of environmental law, ELI provides a range of educational programs and services. In 1991, for instance, the institute helped develop an environmental law course for practicing judges in the New England area. Through funding and...