The 2026 Shapiro Environmental Law Symposium, hosted by the George Washington University Law School, convened nearly 300 experts, students, and faculty on February 19-20, 2026. This annual event serves as the keynote gathering for GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law program, bringing together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss pressing issues in environmental and energy law.
This year's symposium, titled “Adapting to Paradigm Shifts in Environmental and Energy Law in the United States,” examined the field's response to rapid ecological, technological, economic, and legal transformations. Discussions focused on the evolving roles of markets, justice, and governance in shaping the future of environmental protection and energy development.
Over the two-day event, panels explored topics such as new approaches to climate accountability, environmental and climate justice, adaptation and resilience strategies, and paradigm shifts in U.S. energy and environmental law. Keynote speaker Charles Lee, a former senior policy advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, emphasized resilience and practical paths forward for environmental justice.
The symposium provided valuable networking opportunities for attendees, including students, faculty, and professionals in the field. Notable speakers included Professor Caroline Cecot, who highlighted the intersection of climate science and economic analysis, and Professor Robert Glicksman, who offered closing remarks on the symposium's themes.
Speakers(5)
Caroline Cecot
Oswald Symister Colclough Dean’s Research Professor of Law at George Washington University Law School
Professor Caroline Cecot is the Oswald Symister Colclough Dean’s Research Professor of Law at GW Law.
Charles Lee
Former Senior Policy Advisor at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Charles Lee is a former senior policy advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and an environmental justice activist.
Dayna Bowen Matthew
Dean at George Washington University Law School
Dean Dayna Bowen Matthew is the Dean of GW Law.
Robert Glicksman
J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law at George Washington University Law School
Professor Robert Glicksman is the J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law at GW Law.
Sara C. Bronin
Freda H. Alverson Professor of Law at George Washington University Law School
Professor Sara C. Bronin is the Freda H. Alverson Professor of Law at GW Law.
Event Details
- Date
- February 19-20, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- George Washington University Law School
- Audience
- Environmental and energy law professionals, scholars, students, and policymakers
- Attendees
- Nearly 300 attendees