Merhige Center for Environmental Studies

Merhige Center for Environmental Studies

The Robert R. Merhige Jr. Center for Environmental Studies at the University of Richmond School of Law engages in research, instruction, and public outreach on energy and environmental issues in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The center hosts conferences, symposia, and speakers on pressing environmental issues, generating dialogue for policy solutions.

Studying Environmental LawEnvironmental Law CurriculumAlumni & Careers

Award-Winning Scholarship

Professor Joel Eisen’s article “Utilities With Purpose" has been selected as one of the five best environmental law articles of the year by Vanderbilt Law School and the Environmental Law Institute.

Latest News from Merhige Center

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Award-Winning Scholarship
Professor Joel Eisen’s “Utilities with Purpose” recognized as one of the best environmental law articles of 2024.
An illustration showing a silhouette of lady justice approaching the U.S. Capitol building through waist-high water, under toxic clouds. She is bringing balanced scales full of eco-friendly energy solutions including wind and solar power.
Come hell or high water
Three professors analyze the global climate crisis, each conducting research intending to shape the future of climate regulations.

Summer Public Service Fellowships

Each Richmond Law student is guaranteed one summer of funding for a public service or government sector job. Here are just a few examples of recent student placements in the environmental law field. 

500-Year Forest Foundation Southern Environmental Law Center 
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation 
Chesapeake Bay Foundation U.S. Department of Energy  
City of Richmond Office of Sustainability U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
Environmental Council on the States U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry 
Environmental Integrity Project Virginia Conservation Network 
Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, Environmental Section Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Contact Merhige Center Director Professor Noah Sachs