About TELS
Since its founding in 1996, the Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit (TELS) has provided a forum for students, attorneys, scholars, policymakers, activists, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on the most pressing environmental law and policy issues facing the Gulf South and beyond.
Hosted annually in collaboration with the Environmental & Energy Law Society at Tulane University Law School, TELS is the longest-running student-organized environmental law conference in the United States. Entirely planned and led by students, the Summit brings together diverse voices and perspectives to encourage interdisciplinary discussion, foster professional connections, and advance the next generation of environmental advocates.
Over nearly three decades, TELS has grown into a longstanding tradition of environmental law education and engagement. Its commitment to excellence in student-led environmental programming has been recognized by the American Bar Association, and its programming continues to create opportunities for meaningful exchange between the legal, scientific, academic, policy, and advocacy communities.
The 2027 theme
Bridging the Gap
Environmental challenges rarely fit neatly within the boundaries of a single discipline, profession, or perspective. Addressing them requires more than legal frameworks or scientific research alone; it demands collaboration, effective communication, and a willingness to engage with ideas and experiences beyond our own.
The theme of the 32nd Annual Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit, Bridging the Gap, recognizes the importance of bringing together the diverse voices and expertise needed to confront today's most pressing environmental challenges. From lawyers and scientists to policymakers, industry leaders, academics, activists, and community advocates, meaningful environmental progress depends on our ability to communicate across disciplines and work toward shared goals.
This year's Summit will explore the intersections of environmental law, science, policy, and practice, creating opportunities for thoughtful discussion across professional backgrounds and perspectives. Through interdisciplinary panels and collaborative programming, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges we face, highlight innovative approaches to environmental problem-solving, and identify practical pathways toward a more sustainable future.