Below is a selection of recent news highlights featuring members of Vermont Law and Graduate School’s faculty and staff.

Pamela Vesilind JD'08, assistant professor of law

Pennsylvania Egg Brand Agrees to Drop Deceptive ‘Free Roaming’ Label
April 1, 2025
Sentient Media
Pamela Vesilind JD’08, assistant professor of law, comments on the critical use of surveys when seeking to understand consumer beliefs around the farmed animal industry. In this case, the phrase “free roaming” when referring to egg-producing hens has misled many to believe that the animals are housed in better conditions than they are.

Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic at VLGS.

The Feds are Increasingly Relying on Vermont’s Prisons for Immigration Detention
April 3, 2025
VTDigger
As more detainees are placed in Vermont’s facilities for immigration detention, the state grapples with how best to meet the needs of the growing population in custody. Brett Stokes, director of the Center for Justice Reform Clinic, is one of the few attorneys in Vermont representing undocumented clients.

Mark James, interim director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment at VLGS.

The POWER Interview: Proper Planning Key to Support Electrification
April 4, 2025
POWER
Mark James, interim director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment, was recently interviewed by POWER, providing his thoughts on electrification and its many impacts on the power sector.

Mia Montoya Hammersley, Director of the Environmental Justice Clinic

EPA Civil Rights Work Stalls Under Trump as Communities Wait for Justice
April 10, 2025
Sentient Media
Since the start of the new presidential administration, the EPA has been unable to accept new civil rights complaints or issue findings of discrimination for existing complaints. Mia Montoya Hammersley, director of the Environmental Justice Clinic, comments on this, highlighting a broader shift in the EPA’s approach to civil rights enforcement that began even before the second Trump presidency.

Pat Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy, environmental law center

Big Oil Seeks to Shield Itself From Climate Liability While Trump is in Power
April 12, 2025
Sierra Magazine
Pat Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy, comments on the Trump administration’s move to cease enforcement of state climate laws and initiatives (including laws and lawsuits targeting fossil fuel companies) through an executive order released on April 8.

Dave Celone, Vice President of Alumni Relations and Development

Learning to Experience Life in Awe
April 18, 2025
Valley News
Dave Celone JD’92, vice president of Alumni Relations and Development, has co-authored a piece on the power and science behind the sensation of awe. He presents it as an antidote to depression, anxiety, and fear.

Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute at VLGS.

How the United States is Failing Elephants–and What You Can Do
April 22, 2025
Wiki Observatory
Despite some moves to decrease elephant exploitation over recent years, hundreds of elephants in the United States are still held captive without meaningful legal protections. Delcianna Winders, director of the Animal Law and Policy Institute, discusses the extent of the insufficient standards for elephant welfare and protection in this country, and outlines ways that individuals can do their part.

Solar Incentives by State
April 28, 2025
This Old House
Jenny Carter JD’86/MSL’87, professor of law, Kirt Mayland LLM’05, visiting professor, and Mark James, interim director of the Institute for Energy and the Environment, weigh in on state-by-state solar incentives as a means of investing in renewable energy and saving money on long-term energy bills.