EPIC Team Reflections from the 43rd Annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference

On February 27th, members of the EPIC team crammed into a hybrid Rav4 and made the multi hour trek to the University of Oregon in Eugene for the 43rd annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. This year's theme, Rising To The Challenge: Justice on The Horizon, set the tone for a weekend of inspiring discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and a shared commitment to advancing environmental protections in an era of unprecedented challenges.

It was an incredible way to wrap up my first month with EPIC as the Communications Coordinator. I knew upon taking this position that I would have the honor of working alongside some of the most dedicated and thoughtful human beings in fighting for the protection of this beautiful planet. This past weekend not only confirmed this notion but it truly showed me that our small but mighty non-profit organization has a profound impact, bringing passion, expertise, and unwavering determination to the fight for the planet. Surrounded by advocates, legal minds, and community leaders, I witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and the vital role EPIC and dozens of other organizations play in protecting the places we love.

Over the course of the three-day event, attendees had the opportunity to choose from more than 70 panels covering a wide range of topics, including social justice, Tribal sovereignty, species diversity, fire management, and youth-led climate initiatives. From discussions on wildlife relocation programs to debates over renewable energy, the conference provided a space for activists to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and navigate the complexities of pressing environmental issues.

For the team, the conference was more than just an educational opportunity. It was a chance to

reconnect with the broader environmental movement and be reminded of why we do this work. Tom reflected on the significance of this annual gathering, stating, “Our daily work, pecking away at our keyboards and reading endless digital reams of documents, can be isolating. The Public Interest Environmental Law Conference is always an opportunity to recharge our batteries and be reminded that we at EPIC are part of a larger movement. I left the conference with a notebook full of ideas—which I can't share here yet—and co-conspirators at sister organizations to pursue them. My deep thanks to the law students and volunteers who have fostered this conference for 43 years.”

Beyond the panels, the conference provided a space for deep reflection on the environmental movement’s past, present, and future. For Matt, the heart of PIELC was the relationships built and strengthened within the environmental law community. “My favorite thing about PIELC is catching up with old friends and making new ones. We all do this work because we believe a better world is possible and we believe it is our responsibility to fight for it. The public interest environmental law community is small—too small!—but it can be empowering for so many of us to gather in one place and share our work with each other.”

For Josefina, the conference reinforced the importance of community in sustaining this work. “I left PIELC with a renewed sense of responsibility to the world. We know this work is important and what is at stake, but hearing others present their own work is always inspiring and a great reminder that we are not the first to do this work, and we won’t be the last. I appreciate the community at PIELC and EPIC for being so grounding as we all work towards a similar mission.”

Melodie found herself reflecting on the underlying themes that emerged throughout the weekend, stating, “PIELC continues to prove how energy, wildlife, and fire all remain salient topics with both successes (including dam removal and significant steps in securing tribal water rights and protections of sacred places) and setbacks. I was struck by themes that were less explicit. I found myself noting themes such as the role of political ideology in climate change solutions, the tension between zealous condemnation of the fossil fuel industry and hesitancy toward green industries like wind and the essential rare earth mining sector, and the ethical considerations of anthropogenic solutions in response to a changing climate. No doubt these themes have long been present within environmental law, but under a second Trump administration which is attacking basic democratic foundations, I was more attuned to the incredible diversity of views and beliefs even within a movement that to an outsider appears unified. Perhaps our passion for niche issues and nuanced debates should be redirected towards the looming threat of climate crisis, which will worsen under authoritarian politics of the United States. What gives me hope is the many students and attorneys who engage in respectful dialogue, challenging perspectives, and broadening our understanding to strengthen our collective fight as a united front.”

For me, the conference was an introduction to the deeply collaborative culture that drives environmental advocacy. It quickly became clear that not everyone in every room agreed on the best path forward, and I often found myself describing the conversations as “spicy.” What stood out the most, however, was the way these passionate debates were met with openness and respect. Even in disagreement, there was a shared commitment to finding solutions, and the space created for differing perspectives only strengthened the depth and urgency of the discussions.

As we left Eugene and made the journey back home, we carried with us not only new knowledge and ideas but also a renewed sense of purpose. There's a lot of work to be done and PIELC is a reminder that while the fight against climate change is challenging, we are not in it alone. The conversations we had, the connections we made, and the inspiration we gained will continue to fuel our work in the weeks, months, and years ahead. As we move forward, we do so with a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead, a strengthened commitment to our mission, and the unwavering belief that change is possible.