Scott Walker (Texas) will contribute to a panel discussion on Shifting Environmental Policies at the Shifting Policies for a Shifting Environment: Environmental Policy Symposium hosted by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the University of Mississippi School of Law in Oxford, Mississippi from 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. CT on March 8, 2018.

The panel session is entitled "WOTUS: Clear as Mud Shifting Policies for a Shifting Environment: Environmental Policy Symposium"

Scott is an environmental scientist with experience in project management, construction monitoring, wetland and stream delineations, wetland and stream restoration, biological field studies, environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), threatened and endangered species presence/ absence surveys, GIS, GPS and Geo database development. He has experience in permitting for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Sections 401, 402 and 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Additionally, Scott has experience with the NEPA process, USFWS Section 7 consultations, and public meetings.

Scott will be joined at the symposium by two Florida-based colleagues: Nandra Weeks, a Senior Principal Environmental Engineer, and Jill Johnson, a Senior Hydrogeologist.

About the Symposium

In the midst of significant environmental changes triggered by shifts in climate, population, and natural resources, changes in party control of the White House and Senate have sparked a drastic and unpredictable shift in course for environmental law and policy. This Policy Symposium explores how these two transformative forces, shifts in environmental factors and political changes, are converging and what new paths may lie ahead. Topics include: Overview of the shifting U.S. EPA positions under the Clean Water Act, potential implications for jurisdictional wetlands determinations, and the status of litigation challenges to the WOTUS rule; The Clean Air Act (CAA) in a shifting regulatory environment; Analysis of interstate disputes relating to water quantity and flood control and how they relate to endangered species issues; And key regulatory policy changes that will impact the state/federal relationship in environmental regulatory matters.

The mission of the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER) is to be the premier forum for lawyers working in areas related to the environment, natural resources, and energy. The Section is committed to providing members with opportunities to enhance professional skills, stay on top of developments and to participate in dialogue in these substantive areas. It represents more than 10,000 members with a wide range of professional interests. This chance to meet and network with peers is invaluable. The Section keeps its members abreast of development trends, current court decisions, legislative initiatives, and statutes concerning environmental, natural resources, and energy law.

Panel Description

In January, the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that challenges to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule belong in District Courts. Previously, the Trump Administration announced that it would be taking action to postpone the effective date of WOTUS and to eventually "repeal and replace" it. The administration's decisions were expected, as the WOTUS Rule has been extremely controversial since its adoption by the Obama administration in 2015. This panel will provide an overview of the shifting U.S. EPA positions with respect to the extent of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act, potential implications for jurisdictional wetlands determinations and other CWA permitting programs, the status of legal challenges, and the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision on present and future litigation regarding the WOTUS rule.

More Information

Learn more about the event: Shifting Policies for a Shifting Environment: Environmental Policy Symposium
Learn more about the panel: WOTUS: Clear as Mud.
For consultation regarding Environmental Policy, contact Scott Walker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Learn more about Scott at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-walker-93a3aa6/
Learn more about Nandra at: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/nandra-weeks
Learn more about Jill at: https://www.geosyntec.com/people/jill-johnson