Energy and the environment are inextricably linked. An enormous proportion of Earth’s environmental issues stem from energy usage. If you care about the environment, energy policy is the single most important influence; and if you care about energy, environmental externalities are the most important constraint. Perhaps no environmental or economic challenge is more important today than our need to expeditiously transition to a low-carbon future.
Our quest for knowledge covers a wide spectrum of disciplines—including law, science, engineering, finance, public policy, and economics. Meanwhile, career opportunities continue to expand with the rapid growth of solar and offshore wind development; the electrification of our transportation system; and new clean distributed opportunities in storage, demand response, efficiency, and renewables.
Students who participate in Vermont Law and Graduate School’s (VLGS) Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE) partake in cutting-edge research, analysis, and advocacy. These in-demand skills prepare students and graduates to make a transformative impact on both the environment and the global economy.
VLGS leads the nation in equipping students for the clean energy transition. Our energy law and policy program offers the largest selection of clean energy courses, esteemed experiential learning opportunities in renewable energy, new clean transportation classes and research options, and seamless integration with a world-class environmental law and policy program— including unparalleled climate law course offerings.
Our Institute for Energy and the Environment is a renowned resource—nationally and globally—focused on the energy policy of the future. The institute combines a research associate program, which serves as a center for graduate research on the transition to a clean energy future, with a vibrant student-staffed energy clinic, which works on legal and business models for community energy development. Our unique year-round Energy Clinic works on the cutting edge of renewable energy development, including powering VLGS with over 50% local solar energy.
Can the institute help you, your organization, or your enterprise? Join us through our leading, hands-on residential curriculum in beautiful central Vermont; through our unique online curriculum; or through our distinct short-course options during the stunning summer season. The IEE team and its network of alumni look forward to sharing the skills and knowledge that will help you succeed. Together, let’s build a better tomorrow!
See the impact our graduates are having on the clean energy transition.

At the IEE we focus on the energy policy of the future. Please join us!

The IEE Research and Energy Clinic teams continue their work on the important issues of clean transportation, climate justice, community solar ownership and cybersecurity policy. Our year-old Farm and Energy Initiative addresses the interrelated issues of agriculture and energy sustainability. Learn more about what we do and how you can come join us and shape the energy policy of the future.
Curricular Opportunities






