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Pitt Energy Law and Policy Institute Concludes

The University of Pittsburgh is concluding its Energy Law and Policy Institute Friday, a two-day forum bringing together legal experts, policymakers and industry representatives to discuss the nation’s energy future.

Topics covered at the event include tax incentive financing for energy projects, the law and policy of pipeline infrastructure and fossil fuel exports, changing environmental regulations regarding shale gas development, and land use and title law in energy issues.

William Carter, dean of Pitt’s School of Law, said the institute covers a variety of environmental and energy topics.

“It really spans the entire spectrum from the business side of energy development to taxes, to regulation — whether federal, state or local — as well as dealing with oil, gas, electrical, energy renewables and environmental regulation,” he said.

The law school is now offering courses such as “The Law of Shale Gas,” “Energy Law and Regulation” and “Oil and Gas Law” as a result of booming interest in energy law.

Carter said groups like Young Professionals in Energy, a recently formed nonprofit organization with more than 25,000 members worldwide, are crucial in continuing the discussion on energy in the United States and across the globe.

“It’s a membership and networking organization for folks in different segments of the energy market, as well as all different stages of their career, who are interested in the broad span of energy issues,” he said.

The organization was founded by current Pitt law students to establish networking and continue dialogue between young professionals in the global energy industry.

Carter believes this institute is significant because it brings attention to a wide range of topics.

“I think this one is unique,” he said. “It is not focused on a single issue with regard to energy development, nor is it focused on a single sector or single constituency with regard to energy development.”

The Erie, PA native has been a fellow in the WESA news department since May 2013. Having earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Duquesne University, he is now pursuing an M.A. in multi-media management. Michael describes his career aspiration as "I want to do it all in journalism."