A Colorado Law Student Event 

Presented by: The Byron White Center, The Getches-Wilkinson Center, and the American Constitution Society

Panelists: Professor Daria Roithmayr, BWC Director Deep Gulasekaram, and GWC Director Chris Winter

Tuesday, March 18th 12-12:50pm in Room 207

Join us for a panel discussion regarding the slurry of executive orders that Trump has passed over the past month that he has been in office, impacting several (if not all) areas of law. This panel's purpose is to discuss each of the executive orders, how they compare to those in previous administrations, and the extend of the orders' legal impact. Lunch will be provided, so please arrive early to grab your food and a seat! 

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Please join the American Indian Law Program for a discussion on Inuit rights and international law in the wake of President Trump's proposal to purchase Greenland.

Monday, February 24th 
12-1:30pm MST Boulder
5-6:30pm UTC-2 Nuuk

Free and open to the public

In person: Wolf Law Building Garden Level Conference Room

Virtual:

Featuring Speakers:
Prof. S. James Anaya, University of Colorado, USA
Chair Sara Olsvig, Inuit Circumpolar Council, GREENLAND
Prof. Naja Dyrendom Graugaard, Copenhagen University, DENMARK

Moderated by:
Kristen Carpenter and Emiliano Salazar, American Indian Law Program

For background information, see “Self-Determining Greenland: A Primer” 
 

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The Getches-Wilkinson Center (GWC) is seeking Colorado Law students interested in natural resources, energy, and environmental law to serve as the GWC Summer Research Assistant. The Spring and Summer Research Assistants will work closely with the GWC staff, including the Executive Director and GWC Senior Water Fellow who will help direct the student’s research in the areas of water law, public lands, climate change, and natural resources as applied to the American west. 

The Research Assistant will be responsible for conducting research and producing written content for the GWC. Potential projects include work on ongoing research, current development in management and conservation for federal public lands, legislative reforms to conservation laws, and assisting interested partners with the upcoming Colorado River interim guidelines renegotiations.

Position Details
This is a part-time position for either the spring or summer and may continue into the fall semester pending funding availability. Work hours are flexible. Candidates should state their desired spring or summer position as well as optimum hours in their cover letter. This position is paid at a rate of $20.00 USD per hour.

University of Colorado Law Students interested in natural resources, energy, and environmental law are eligible to apply. Work-study is preferred. Interested students should apply for work-study funding. Work-study information is available here: /studentemployment/work-study

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, early application encouraged.

Application Instructions
To apply, send the following application materials:
Resume
Cover Letter
Transcript
Writing Sample
by email to Annie Carlozzi, GWC Assistant Director, at annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu.

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Getches-Wilkinson Center Water Law Fellows Position Announcement

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School is seeking an outstanding — early career — attorney to serve as the next GWC Water Law Fellow. The Fellow will work on the most pressing water law reform issues of the day under the guidance of the GWC and law school faculty and in partnership with leaders from the non-profit, government, and private sectors.

The overarching objective of the Water Law Fellows Program is to create a matchless educational and mentoring experience that will prepare the Fellows to become leaders in the field. The intensive program will immerse the Fellow in the real-world challenges of water law and policy. During the program, the Fellow will be actively engaged in water law reform in the public interest and will hone their leadership, communication, advocacy, and research skills. 

The Fellow will work with GWC faculty and staff, and with partner organizations on a wide array of emerging issues. This work may be done at every level — federal, state, tribal, county, city, and international — and could include developing proposed legislation/regulations, policy implementation, and filing amicus briefs. Recent projects have focused on Tribal water rights in the Colorado River basin, proposals for reforms to Colorado water law, proposals for reform of the Wild and Scenic River Act, state development of dredge and fill programs following the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision, and access to EPA funding for water infrastructure programs.

The �������Ƿ�’s research agenda will be developed collaboratively with the support and supervision of GWC staff.

Fellows will be expected to draft at least one paper for publication in the first year and to assist with organizing conferences, workshops, public education events, and other GWC events. Fellows may also publish white papers and law reform recommendations; attend conferences on water-related topics; perhaps offer testimony at hearings and make public addresses; draft media content on emerging issues; and work on projects that develop in-depth expertise in water law.

Housed in the GWC at Colorado Law, the Fellow will have full access to the extraordinary resources and institutional support of the Law School. To encourage multi-disciplinary solutions, the Fellow will be able to draw on expertise in departments across the University and nearby national laboratories. Under the guidance of the GWC, the Fellow will work with experts in NGOs, government, and the private sector.

Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment

The  advances the truly sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, with a focus on the American West, by:

Influencing natural resources law and policy, including issues of water, land, climate change, and the rights of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples; and

Educating, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of committed lawyers and advocates devoted to justice and equity.

Major programs and initiatives focus on natural resources, water and public lands issues in Colorado and the West; Tribal communities and environmental justice; climate change law and policy; and electricity regulation and energy policy. The name comes from the contributions of two iconic figures in the law school’s environmental law history, David Getches and Charles Wilkinson.

Learn more about Colorado Law

Terms, Salary, and Benefits 

Fellowship terms

Start Date: The start date is flexible, with the Fellow able to begin anytime between March 1, 2025, and September 1, 2025.
Duration: This is a one-year appointment, with the option to extend for a second year upon mutual agreement between GWC and the Fellow.
Salary: $70,000 per year.
Additional Support: Includes a budget for travel and training.
Location: The position is based in Boulder, Colorado. The Fellow will be expected to maintain a regular presence at the GWC offices at the University of Colorado Law School, with some remote work allowed.

Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent , including medical and dental healthcare coverage, and an ECO (transit) Pass. The �鶹��Ѱ����� is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.
Learn more about the .

What we require

• J.D.
• One year of relevant professional experience after graduation from law school or a demonstrated commitment to water-related issues during law school. Applicants completing a judicial clerkship are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent research and writing skills.

What we would like you to have

• Strong academic record.
• Demonstrated experience or background in water law or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental research.
• Commitment to serving diverse and underrepresented communities.
• Proven track record of working well as a team member.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit the following materials to annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu for full consideration:

1. A professional resume (two pages maximum).
2. A cover letter that specifically addresses how your interest in the Fellows program and how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
3. Law school transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable).
4. A writing sample of not more than 10 pages.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The Water Law Fellowship is open to individuals regardless of race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender. We encourage individuals from groups historically underrepresented in environmental conservation to apply.

Contact Information
For further information, please feel free to contact GWC Assistant Director, Annie Carlozzi at annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu or 303-492-1286.

Download GWC Water Law Fellow Position Announcement

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The Getches-Wilkinson Center is happy to announce that our Water Law Fellow, Andrew Teegarden, has accepted a full-time role with the WaterNow Alliance as a Water Policy Associate. The WaterNow Alliance is a national non-profit providing innovative, affordable, sustainable water solutions throughout the United States. Andrew’s role will help provide trainings and assistance organizations with filling out State Revolving Fund loan applications. In addition, Andrew will provide water policy governance for Marin County in California and the City of New Orleans to assist their efforts in creating a storm water utility. Throughout their time as a fellow, Andrew was able to work on exciting projects including academic publishing, policy work in the state legislature, and working with students to help educate the next generation of water leaders. We are thrilled that Andrew found a new role that will allow them to continue to bring innovative solutions to the water community. Andrew will not be a stranger to the GWC because he will continue to serve as a supervising attorney for the Acequia Assistance Project. In addition, Andrew will continue working with the Getches-Green Clinic to oppose the change of a water right on the Western Slope. The GWC Water Law Fellows Program is designed to help young professionals step into the world of water and we look forward to working with another round of fellows that will continue to craft solutions for our collective water future. 

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GWC is accepting applications for Summer 2025 and Academic Year 25/26 Scholarships and Fellowships in Natural Resources Law. 

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 17, 2025.

Opportunities include:

The Wyss Scholars Program for U.S. Lands Conservation

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to land conservation in the American West. The Wyss Scholars Program seeks to identify and nurture a new generation of leaders on western land conservation issues by providing financial support to students who are committed to careers focused on western conservation.

Two Wyss Scholars will be selected each year on the basis of leadership potential, commitment to furthering land conservation in the American West, commitment to pursuing a career in nonprofit or public sector conservation, financial need, and academic strength. While experience living or working in the West is preferred, all students interested in western lands and sustainability issues are encouraged to apply.

The Harrison Fellowship in International Water Law

The Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellowship, initiated in 2010 by partners of the law firm of Moses, Wittemyer, Harrison and Woodruff, P.C. in honor David L. Harrison (Law ‘71), is awarded each year to a Colorado Law student on the basis of academic performance, commitment to public service, and interest in the study of water and energy law and policy. To the extent practicable, each Harrison Fellow will focus on a specific project where the partner organization is advancing innovative solutions for sustainable management of water or related energy resources outside the United States.

Conscience Bay Company Western Water Policy Fellowship

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School is seeking an outstanding current 2L (or rising 3L) as the next Conscience Bay Company Western Water Policy Fellow. Fellows will work on the most pressing water law reform issues of the day under the guidance of the GWC and in partnership with leaders from the non-profit, government, and private sectors.

The Charles N. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship - Admissions office will announce the application process in Spring 2025.

A recording of the October Fellowship and Scholarship Information Event event can be found . Current scholars and fellowships shared their experiences and advice for interested students. The PowerPoint presentation with detailed requirements and application information can be found here. 

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The Getches-Wilkinson Center and Center of the American West will co-host the 16th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy on February 25, 2025 with special guest, Tommy Beaudreau, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00-7:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom

A reception will be held immediately following the lecture for all in person registrants. 

Two general CLE credits have been approved for Colorado attorneys.

“The Lords of Yesterday and the Imperatives of Now”

Beaudreau will discuss the structural, legal, and political challenges to energy transition on public lands.  He will provide an exploration of the contemporary problems that must be solved for bringing public lands to bear in energy transition efforts, and how the roots of those issues rest in the legacy of American westward expansion and the displacement of Native people.

Student Lunch and Learns
Tues, February 25, 2025 at the Center of the American West
Wed, February 26, 2025 in Room 207 in Wolf Law

GWC and CWA respectively, will host a lunch and learn for students, where Tommy Beaudreau will share his professional experiences and offered advice and guidance to students and engage in a Q&A session.

Tommy Beaudreau

Tommy Beaudreau is co-chair of WilmerHale’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Native American Law Practices. Mr. Beaudreau focuses his practice on a broad range of areas including conventional and renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure projects; environmental regulatory, litigation and enforcement matters; crisis management and response; and Tribal matters. In addition, Mr. Beaudreau leads internal investigations and responses to government investigations and congressional oversight.

Mr. Beaudreau served in senior leadership roles in the United States Department of the Interior for nearly a decade across two administrations. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Secretary of the Interior after being confirmed by the US Senate in June 2021 by a vote of 88-9, reflecting his strong reputation as a bi-partisan problem solver. In this role, Mr. Beaudreau was point on the most pressing and high-profile matters before the Department, including energy development on public lands and waters, water infrastructure and delivery to address sustained drought in the American west, infrastructure permitting and critical minerals development, implementation of the historic investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and a broad range of priorities relative to Indian Country.

Mr. Beaudreau previously served for nearly seven years at the Department of the Interior (DOI) during the Obama Administration, including as the first director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, and chief of staff for the Interior Department.

He is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

The Schultz Lectureship in Energy

In 2007, the Schultz Lecture in Energy was launched to support an annual lecture by renowned scholars in energy or natural resources law. This series was made possible by the generosity of John H. and Cynthia H. Schultz and allows the Getches-Wilkinson Center (GWC) to bring in thought leaders from across the country. Our speakers address emerging issues and challenges in the oil and gas, energy, and natural resources fields, providing valuable information to policymakers, practitioners, business executives, students, and the academic community.

John Schultz (�鶹��Ѱ�����Econ, Political. Science ‘51) (�鶹��Ѱ�����Law ‘53) was an oil and gas attorney whose impactful career in Colorado and the Western U.S. spanned the second half of the 20th century. John Schultz passed away on April 5, 2020, surrounded by family in the comfort of his own home in Lafayette, Colorado. Cynthia Schultz was a University of Colorado administrative staff member who served the University in many ways. She was a member of the Graduate School Advisory Council, the Graduate School Resource Committee, and on the Ad Hoc Task Force on Graduate Education. Cynthia passed away on December 20, 2011. Both John’s and Cynthia’s generosity of time with our students was exceptional.

Their legacies continue, in part, through their substantial gifts to the University of Colorado, Colorado Law, and to the GWC where we are so appreciative of the Schultz family’s generosity. The family’s continued commitment means that this lecture can be free and open to the public. The format (normally) includes a public reception following the talk, providing the opportunity to continue a lively discussion, as well as a dinner with the speaker, the extended Schultz family, the Dean, GWC faculty, and several law students.

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Andrew Teegarden, current GWC Water Law Fellow:

The Annual Colorado River Water Users Association (CRUWA) Conference in Las Vegas was one of the busiest in recent years. Part of the increased participation stems from the current impasse in negotiations for the Post-2026 Operating Guidelines for Lakes Powell and Mead. Tensions could be felt in the hallways and discussions by nearly 1,500 attendees.

Pressures came to a head during the Upper and Lower Basin Panels. Colorado’s lead negotiator, Becky Mitchell, noted it was disappointing that all seven of the basin states were in Las Vegas and were unable to set a meeting where potential compromises could be discussed. Another Upper Basin Negotiator, Brandon Gebhart, spoke out against the posturing and inability to compromise.

Others on the Lower Basin Panel, such as JB Hamby, struck a different chord; the Lower Basin has been taking steps to lower water use despite the massive population, agricultural economy, and climate change. These realities are extremely troubling because it seems to be further entrenching the states in their own positions and is reducing their ability to compromise. In fact, Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs has begun setting aside money within the state budget for potential litigation efforts on the Colorado River. However, litigation did not seem to be the preferred alternative to solve the current breakdown in negotiations. A separate panel talked about the realities of litigation which could take decades, cost millions of dollars, and put the power to decide the outcome in the hands of judges which cannot fully capture the complexity and needs of each community partner along the river.

Outside of the programming, the entire Getches-Wilkinson Center Staff was honored to attend the Water & Tribes Initiative Luncheon which kicked off the start of the conference. During the lunch, attendees discussed potential alternatives for the Bureau of Reclamation to consider which would provide operational flexibility and account for tribal water usage.

Another highlight was the ability to talk with other colleagues and peers in the water space. Networking at large conferences has been one of the best parts of these events because they allow for more understanding within the water community. Despite the tensions, the water community was able to come together and discuss how we can solve the problems on the Colorado River equitably.

Unfortunately, CRUWA did not result in any big break through or give the states more clarity on how the Colorado will be managed. Although, leaders painted a clear picture of how difficult litigation will become if we are unable to agree. Complex scenarios require complex solutions and until someone can capture and account for all of them, compromise may be difficult to obtain. Allowing compromise and the goal of a stable river basin to drive the creation of alternatives will bring us to a place where all who utilize the river feel heard. Negotiators can get there, but it will take more time and dedicated effort to do so.

Aidan Stearns current 3L at Colorado Law and GWC Research Assistant:

From December 4-6, a variety of Colorado River advocates including lawyers, engineers, legislators, scientists, and tribal representatives gathered at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Colorado River Water Users Association (CRWUA) Conference. This year, which was my first time attending the conference, CRWUA was focused on post-2026 operations of the Colorado River. Negotiations over post-2026 operations have been contentious, to say the least. CRWUA served as an opportunity to share all the various points of view with the Colorado River community.

Since it was my first time attending CRWUA, I had one simple goal heading into the conference: listen. CRWUA further affirmed a belief I held when I started law school almost three years ago: that a degree in environmental engineering would be a beneficial foundation for legal practice. One of the first sessions I attended was about the risks of litigation, where attorneys representing various upper and lower basin interests discussed what the path of litigation may look like based on past precedent. Those panelists are often tasked with the challenge of applying modern engineering and scientific concepts to legal doctrine dating back to the 1800s, something I hope to pursue in my own legal career.

Outside of the conference sessions, my most impactful interactions came from meeting conference attendees and listening to their unique perspective on Colorado River water issues. I spoke to a range of individuals including attorneys who worked solely with upper basin agricultural water users to lower basin tribal councilmembers.

Despite the difficult conversations that were had at CRWUA regarding post-2026 operations, a thread of hope seemed to weave through every session. Julie Vano, the Research Director for Aspen Global Change Institute, emphasized in a panel on extreme weather events the importance of not becoming paralyzed by uncertainty when using models. Panelists also expressed that they felt hope because of the resilience of people. Panelists expressed that there is no one to blame but us, but in that, there is hope in the innovation and partnership that people are capable of. No one person is going to have the magic solution to managing water issues in the Colorado River Basin. The solution is going to come from collaboration along with being able to listen to and respect the perspectives that people bring to the table.

Oliver Skelly, current 3L at Colorado Law and GWC Conscience Bay Company Western Water Policy Fellow:

When the GWC invited me to spend the week before final exams with them in Las Vegas I could hardly contain my excitement: My first CRWUA! And what a time for it, with the ongoing negotiations over the post-2026 guidelines atop the agenda. Studying could wait.

As the conference unfolded, most of what I'd heard about CRWUA's substance proved true: If you wanted platitudes, pay attention to the panels; if you wanted juicy hot takes, plug yourself into the hallway conversations. "The Upper Basin can't just keep saying no to everything!" "Lots of snarky remarks from the Lower Basin today." One attendee told me the words "climate change" were not even allowed in the agenda 10 years ago - a shocking and rather unnerving remark given where things stand now. (Fortunately for all involved, it's allowed now.)

That said, the official events were not without their fireworks. The threat of litigation has entered the discourse as negotiations appear to be breaking down, and both basin panels made that abundantly clear. And the conference had many other panels discussing interesting ideas, including recent developments with tribal water rights, regenerative agriculture, urban water efficiency measures, and Kevin Fedarko discussing his new book about his walk through the Big Ditch. Still, the large, seemingly immovable rift between Upper and Lower Basin proposals remained center stage. 

The ultimate takeaway is nothing new: The future of the Colorado River remains uncertain. But CRWUA lives on, and it has found itself a new repeat customer. Many thanks to the GWC and its sponsors for making this trip possible for me.

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Please join the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, the American Indian Law Program and the Getches-Wilkinson Center for a timely discussion regarding the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. The focus of the presentation and conversation will be the importance of water access for the Navajo Nation, the challenges associated with accessing clean water, planning and infrastructure projects, and a particular focus on current bills submitted to Congress that would comprehensively settle the Navajo Nation’s Arizona water rights as well as multiple basins in New Mexico.  This event is open to students, faculty, staff, administration, and other local community members.

Tuesday, December 3

Room 305

12-2pm

Lunch will be provided

Zoom Access:

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The Colorado River Research Group is pleased to share its latest policy brief, entitled: “Active and Passive Water Saving Mechanisms on the Colorado River: Challenges and Opportunities.” The document provides a brief overview of how the major programs—such as the ICS (Intentionally Created Surplus) and the more recent “system conservation” efforts—have functioned in the basin, with an eye toward informing the refinement and expansion of these water saving mechanisms in new rules emerging from the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.  CRRG members would like to see this new generation of tools include programs for better engaging Tribes and Tribal water rights.  At this point, the EIS Alternatives outlined by Reclamation leave room for considering a host of improved mechanisms, an opportunity that should be aggressively pursued.

Read the full policy brief here. 

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