1. Climate Adaptation Academy
  2. Past Workshops & Agendas
  3. Legal Issues in the Age of Climate Adaptation Part I

Legal Issues in the Age of Climate Adaptation Part I

  • Group on beach
    Climate Adaptation Academy

How to Protect Lives, Property & Resources in the Face of Climate Change

November 6, 2015

The first in what is expected to be a series of workshops exploring how sea level rise and climate adaptation efforts may be addressed through legal concepts like the Public Trust Doctrine and regulatory processes like permitting and how climate adaptation may change how we look at those concepts and processes.

(Click the titles, linked in red, to view the available presentations.)

Print-friendly Agenda

8:30-9:00 a.m.

 Continental Breakfast

9:00

 WELCOME/INTRODUCTIONS

  • Purpose of session: Bruce Hyde, UConn CLEAR
  • Opening remarks: Rep. James Albis, Chairman, House Environment Committee, Chairman, Shoreline Preservation Task Force

9:25-9:55

 WHOSE LAND IS IT ANYWAY? 

A review of the Public Trust Doctrine and submerged land ownership in relation to sea level rise, extreme storm events, and owner initiated changes, as related to potential issues of building and rebuilding.

  • Presented by Atty. Marjorie Shansky, Marjorie Shansky, Attorney at Law

9:55-10:35

 WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHAT CAN BE BUILT, WHERE, AND HOW, AND ON WHAT BASIS?

Part 1

State Authorities
A review of the Coastal Area Management Act and how it operates at the State level, the new Coastal Jurisdiction Line, and state flood management standards and policies.

  • Presented by Atty. David Wrinn, CT Assistant Attorney General
    Asst. AG Wrinn’s presentation is not available at this time. It will be added when approval has been received.

    Municipal Authorities
    A review of Coastal Site Plan Review (CSPR) as applied through local planning and zoning authorities and mandatory and voluntary referral to Connecticut DEEP.

  • Presented by Eric Knapp, Clinton ZEO

10:35-10:45

 Break

10:45-11:45

 WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHAT CAN BE BUILT, WHERE, AND HOW, AND ON WHAT BASIS?

Part 2

Deconstructing Sams:  a narrative, real world illustration of the application of CAM and State and Municipal enforcement efforts regarding an unauthorized flood and erosion control structure.

(David Sams et al. v. CT Department of Environmental Protection)

  • Presented by AAG Wrinn and Mr. Knapp
A PowerPoint presentation was not used for this session.

11:45-12:30

 Lunch

12:30-1:00

 WHO GETS TO DECIDE WHAT CAN BE BUILT, WHERE, AND HOW, AND ON WHAT BASIS?

Part 3

Beyond the Coast: Underlying municipal authorities and emerging issues
A review and preview of adaptation related zoning, variance, and flood regulation concerns.

  • Presented by Atty. Mark Branse, Branse & Willis LLC 

1:00-1:45

 WHAT IF WE SAY “NO”?

Takings Law: A general review and update on taking law including physical and regulatory takings, eminent domain AND negotiations toward mitigation.

  • Presented by Atty. John P. Casey, Robinson and Cole LLP

Strategies to Avoid or Minimize the Risk of Takings Claims

  • Panel Discussion
Discussion session no PowerPoint presentation

1:45-2:30

 IDENTIFICATION OF LEGAL QUESTIONS

An opportunity for panelists and audience to identify outstanding legal questions for possible research follow-up by members of the legal community.

Click here for a list of questions and issues raised during this session.