Water law

GWC Welcomes New Water Law Fellow

Annie Carlozzi — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:41:50 +0000

GWC Welcomes New Water Law Fellow Annie Carlozzi Mon, 03/31/2025 - 12:41

Colorado Law is ranked seventh in the nation for environmental law with the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) advancing its commitment to educating young leaders through the Water Law Fellows Program. Now in its fourth year, the program addresses the rising demand for thoughtful policy initiatives at all levels of government by training the next generation of outstanding leaders in sustainable water management, water law, and policy.

With the accelerated need to address extraordinary circumstances in an unprecedented era, Colorado Law and the GWC are uniquely situated as a premier pipeline of diverse future leaders in environmental and natural resources matters.

The Water Law Fellows Program is not just an educational experience — it’s a career accelerator. This intensive multidisciplinary program equips Fellows with the skills and knowledge to produce high-quality work that influences law reform in the public interest, setting them up for successful careers in environmental law and policy.

Fellows conduct reform-oriented research on the most pressing issues in their field and interact with public and private sector leaders to inform policymaking, all while under the mentorship of leading researchers. Colorado Law and the GWC are known for distinguished faculty, a long record of public service, an extraordinary body of research and an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes unique on-the-ground learning.

The Getches-Wilkinson Center is thrilled to announce that Daniel Anderson will be joining the team as a Water Law Fellow in August 2025. Daniel received a B.A. in Theological and Reconciliation Studies from Seattle Pacific University and will receive a J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in May 2025. Before law school, Daniel served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Morocco and worked as a housing navigator for veterans and people exiting incarceration.

In law school, Daniel researched the interstices between instream flow rights, wildlife law, American Indian water rights, and abandoned hardrock mines cleanup. He plans to continue exploring these same interests as a Water Law Fellow alongside the GWC staff and partners. He gained further experience with western water law working for Judge Todd Taylor, Water Judge for Division One, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office’s Natural Resource & Environment Section, and the City Attorney’s Office for the City of Boulder. He is drawn to the task of researching and advocating for western water law reform due to his conviction that water management is an environmental justice issue as well as his personal connection to clean, flowing water as an angler.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys fly fishing, rock climbing, playing complicated board games, and backpacking in the Rockies with his wife Samantha and chaotic dog, Decker.

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Celeste Baro (Colorado Law '27) Named 2025 David Harrison Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellow

Annie Carlozzi — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 20:41:09 +0000

Celeste Baro (Colorado Law '27) Named 2025 David Harrison Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellow Annie Carlozzi Sat, 03/29/2025 - 14:41

University of Colorado Law School student Celeste Baro ('27) is this year’s David Harrison Innovations in Water and Energy Law & Policy Fellow. The 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.

Celeste is a first-year law student from Miami, FL, with a passion for sustainability and marine conservation. Holding both a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Pre-Law and a Master’s in International Business from the University of Florida, Celeste combines her academic expertise with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental protection. Raised surrounded by the waters of Miami, she has always felt a strong connection to the environment, which has driven her to pursue a career in environmental law. Through the Harrison Fellowship, Celeste looks forward to advancing her legal expertise in the environmental sector, particularly in marine conservation efforts, and using her knowledge to create meaningful change in preserving natural resources for future generations.

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The Legal Effect of Executive Orders - Professor Panel March 18th

Annie Carlozzi — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:07:19 +0000

The Legal Effect of Executive Orders - Professor Panel March 18th Annie Carlozzi Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:07

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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Now Hiring! Spring AND Summer Student Research Assistants

Annie Carlozzi — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:28:40 +0000

Now Hiring! Spring AND Summer Student Research Assistants Annie Carlozzi Mon, 02/03/2025 - 09:28

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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Now Hiring! GWC Water Law Fellow

Annie Carlozzi — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 23:49:03 +0000

Now Hiring! GWC Water Law Fellow Annie Carlozzi Tue, 01/21/2025 - 16:49

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 Fellow’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 Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment 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 benefits, including medical and dental healthcare coverage, and an ECO (transit) Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.
Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

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:

A professional resume (two pages maximum).
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.
Law school transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable).
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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Andrew Teegarden Joins WaterNow Alliance as Water Policy Associate

Annie Carlozzi — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:15:26 +0000

Andrew Teegarden Joins WaterNow Alliance as Water Policy Associate Annie Carlozzi Tue, 01/21/2025 - 14:15

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 Scholarships and Fellowships Application Deadline Friday, Jan 17

Annie Carlozzi — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:29:31 +0000

GWC Scholarships and Fellowships Application Deadline Friday, Jan 17 Annie Carlozzi Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:29

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 here. 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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CRWUA Through the Eyes of Young Professionals

Annie Carlozzi — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:29:14 +0000

CRWUA Through the Eyes of Young Professionals Annie Carlozzi Tue, 12/17/2024 - 22:29

Oliver Skelly , Aidan Stearns and Andrew Teegarden

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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Preserving Dinetah: Water Security for Generations, the Nation’s Water Settlements Currently before Congress

Annie Carlozzi — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:39:56 +0000

Preserving Dinetah: Water Security for Generations, the Nation’s Water Settlements Currently before Congress Annie Carlozzi Sun, 12/01/2024 - 16:39

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: https://cu.law/zoom305-e

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Colorado River Research Group Publishes Latest Policy Brief

Annie Carlozzi — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 23:28:13 +0000

Colorado River Research Group Publishes Latest Policy Brief Annie Carlozzi Sun, 12/01/2024 - 16:28

Douglas Kenney

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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