IU Law Professor Appointed to Environmental Post

Indianapolis, IN— Professor Eric Dannenmaier of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law has been appointed to serve as a member of the Joint Public Advisory Committee of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (JPAC) by President Barack Obama.

Professor Dannenmaier’s appointment was announced by The White House Office of the Press Secretary along with several other key Administration posts.

“I am grateful these accomplished men and women have agreed to join this Administration, and I’m confident they will serve ably in these important roles,” President Obama said. “I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

Dannenmaier directs the Environmental, Energy, and Natural Resources Law (ENR) Program at IU McKinney, and teaches Natural Resources Law and Water Law in addition to Constitutional Law and Property.  His research focuses on transboundary natural resource governance and environmental democracy – two key areas in which the Commission operates. 

“I am honored that the President has asked me to serve in this important role,” Dannenmaier said.  “The North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation is unique among international organizations in addressing transboundary environmental concerns that relate to our country’s economic, trade, and social relationships,” he said.  “The Commission has been fostering environmental protection and conservation across borders for 20 years through engagement, transparency, and collaboration.  I look forward to contributing to that process.”

The Commission was created under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1994.  It promotes regional environmental cooperation and enforcement of national environmental laws within the three countries.  The Commission has three parts: a Council comprised of cabinet-level environmental officers from each country (the head of US Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Department of Environment in Canada, and the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources in Mexico); a permanent Secretariat based in Montreal; and the JPAC – five members from each country who advise the Council on any matter within the scope of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation.

Dannenmaier will remain on the McKinney faculty and continue to teach while devoting part of his time to work with the Commission.  “It means a bit more travel, and a few more nights and weekends,” he said, “but this will bring new insights to the classroom and present new research opportunities for students interested in transboundary environmental, natural resource, and economic integration issues.”