The Catholic University Law Review held its annual symposium on February 13, 2026, focusing on constitutional limits in environmental and natural resources law. The event was organized in partnership with the Pacific Legal Foundation and brought together legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across the United States.
Atticus Keane, Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, along with faculty sponsor Professor Derek Webb, opened the symposium by highlighting the significance of discussions at the intersection of constitutional law and environmental policy. The keynote session was moderated by Damien Schiff from the Pacific Legal Foundation and featured Mathura Sridharan, Solicitor General of Ohio, and Michael Williams, Solicitor General of West Virginia. The speakers discussed how state solicitors general address challenges related to environmental stewardship while working within constitutional boundaries.
The first panel addressed implied and express limits on legislative authority concerning environmental regulation. Moderated by Judge Loren Smith from the United States Court of Federal Claims, panelists included Michael Buschbacher (Boyden Gray PLLC), Jeffrey McCoy (Pacific Legal Foundation), Will Yeatman (George Washington’s Regulatory Studies Center), and Nicolas Elliot-Smith (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP). They analyzed relevant case law and constitutional principles affecting legislative powers.
A second panel focused on federalism in managing natural resources. Judge Victor Wolski of the United States Court of Federal Claims led a discussion with Jonathan Adler (William & Mary Law School), Michael Greve (Antonin Scalia Law School), Ben Monarch (Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources), and Ron Opsahl (Alaska Department of Law). Panelists examined how federal-state power dynamics influence resource management.
Attendees concluded the day with a reception to reflect on these topics. Atticus Keane commented: “working with Pacific Legal Foundation was an incredible opportunity and allowed for a wonderful symposium tackling the intersection of constitutional and environmental law.” He added: “thank you to everyone at both the Columbus School of Law and Pacific Legal Foundation for making this year’s symposium such a success.”
Pacific Legal Foundation is described as a public interest law firm that provides free legal representation to Americans facing government overreach. Since its founding in 1973, it has taken 20 cases to the Supreme Court, winning 18 times in areas such as property rights and administrative law.
