In response to the need for legal services for low-income people who are unable to afford legal counsel for environmental and land use problems, the Environmental and Land Use Law Section (ELULS) established the Committee on Access to Justice. The Committee has been active this year utilizing innovative measures to remove barriers to justice which involve collaborations between private sector, government and public interest lawyers.

    Initially, the Committee sponsored an Environmental Justice Mediation Simulation at the Fifth Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference convened by the University of Florida College of Law. The Committee designed and facilitated a simulated mediation of a brownfields dispute. Ethical implications were also addressed.

     In addition, the Committee sponsored a Strategic Assembly on Environmental Justice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The purpose of the assembly was to increase understanding of the needs and concerns of diverse sectors concerning environmental justice. The Committee sought to achieve this purpose by convening business, government and community representatives interested in revitalization of disadvantaged communities from an economic, health and environmental perspective. Almost 20 representatives from communities, government, private sector, and the legal profession participated in the Assembly to discuss opportunities to promote environmental justice for all people. Specific concerns with existing approaches to environmental justice were expressed by the diverse interests. Recommendations for resolving those concerns were then made. The CAJ is now preparing a report on the Assembly, which will delineate those concerns and recommendations.

     The Committee seeks the involvement of members of the ELULS throughout the State. According to Ralph Demeo, Chair of the ELULS, " I support the Committee on Access to Justice and the unique opportunity it presents for members of the ELULS to contribute meaningful pro bono services to meet the need for environmental justice in indigent and other disadvantaged communities in Florida. I urge our members to take the time to get involved in this important activity of the ELULS". For additional information, contact Jackie Werndli at (850) 561-5623 or Suzi Ruhl, Chair of the Committee on Access to Justice at (850)681-2591; e-mail: sruhl@lewisweb.net