LGS2030 Environmental Law

Intermediate · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services

Description: Students identify laws related to the environment and describe how new environmental information affects the law. Students also examine the role of groups and individuals in bringing about changes in environmental law.
Prerequisite: None
Supporting courses: LGS1010: Private Law LGS1020: Public Law ENS2050: Environmental Ethics ENS3050: Environmental Politics

Outcomes The student will:

1 examine the role of the legal system regarding environmental issues
- 1.1 describe how personal actions impact the environment
- 1.2 describe how commercial activities impact the environment
- 1.3 consider how to balance competing interests; e.g., compromise, negotiation
2 analyze the division of power as set out in the Constitution Act, 1867 regarding the conservation and protection of the environment
- 2.1 review provincial legislation with respect to the environment (e.g., Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act) by:
  - 2.1.1 identifying major areas of environmental regulation; e.g., forestry, hunting, land use, pollution, transportation of dangerous goods
  - 2.1.2 investigating a specific act and its influence on environmental regulation in Alberta; e.g., land use agreement, the discharge of pollutants, reclamation
- 2.2 review federal legislation with respect to the environment by:
  - 2.2.1 identifying major areas of environmental regulation; e.g., customs (import/export), fisheries, use of crown land, protection of endangered species
  - 2.2.2 considering the interaction between legislation and treaty rights and traditional land uses; e.g., duty to consult
- 2.3 consider Canada’s involvement in international agreements
- 2.4 research environmental legislation in a minimum of two other countries
3 examine public involvement in environmental dispute resolution
- 3.1 explain the role of lobby groups; e.g., Canadian Environmental Network, Greenpeace, Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen’s, David Suzuki Foundation
- 3.2 explain the work of other environmental groups; e.g., Environmental Law Centre, Eco-Justice
- 3.3 analyze a plan of action for public involvement to create change; e.g., public demonstration, private boycott, media
- 3.4 describe a public review of a project or development that has an impact on the natural environment or the community’s quality of life; e.g., the Oldman River Dam, Alberta’s Oil Sands, nuclear power, mining
- 3.5 discuss court decisions regarding non-compliance with the law
- 3.6 propose changes to existing provincial legislation or propose new legislation
4 demonstrate basic competencies
- 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 4.1.1 communicate
  - 4.1.2 manage information
  - 4.1.3 use numbers
  - 4.1.4 think and solve problems
- 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 4.2.2 be responsible
  - 4.2.3 be adaptable
  - 4.2.4 learn continuously
  - 4.2.5 work safely
- 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 4.3.1 work with others
  - 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
- 5.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
- 5.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities