Online Articles

An image of the coast

(Sea) Walling Off the Beach: The Future of California’s Coastal Commons Remains Contested

November 15, 2018 by Ryan Levandowski Climate change Public Lands State and Local Water

As rising sea levels threaten California’s coast, the state’s characteristic beaches have become a battleground for homeowners, cities, and state regulatory agencies. Because coastal adaptation policies often pit preservation of public beaches against private property rights, recent litigation over the issue has posed a difficult question for courts: Who should (literally) give ground?

Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Houston at a Crossroads: Land Use Post-Harvey

October 17, 2018 by Cecilia Turchetti Climate change State and Local

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Houston has continued to develop at an incredible rate. Historically, the city and its residents have strongly opposed zoning, but development in floodplains has sparked a debate about how expansion should look for the booming city. How can Houston continue to grow while ensuring the safety of its residents?

A red tide rises along docks

A Blooming Problem: How Florida Could Address the Causes and Effects of Red Tide

August 29, 2018 by John Niedzwiecki Oceans State and Local Water

Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its white beaches, lush plant and aquatic life, and unique wildlife. But this verdant paradise is threatened by the rise of red tides: harmful algae blooms that harm Florida’s economy, the health of coastal residents, and a very fragile ecosystem. What can the legal system do to protect Florida’s coast?