The Natural Resources and Environmental Law (NREL) program is focused on preparing students to become leaders in environmental law. The program offers a curriculum that addresses complex environmental issues, including climate change, energy policy, federal land management, oil and gas regulatory frameworks, tribal resource management, water law, and environmental justice.

Students in the NREL program can gain practical experience through the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Clinic or by serving on the Natural Resources Journal. These opportunities offer insights into real-world legal practice in the environmental field.

Recently, the NREL program conducted a retreat to evaluate its current systems and plan for future development. "The retreat was organized to help the Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program identify ways it can continue to build on the success of the program after the retirement of longtime program director Professor Reed Benson," said Professor Gabe Pacyniak, current director of the program. He added that faculty, students, and staff from the Utton Transboundary Resources Center reviewed curricular offerings, student experiences, internship resources, job resources, and connections to practice to find ways to strengthen each area.

The outcomes from this retreat are expected to guide the future direction of the NREL program, ensuring it continues to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for leadership roles in environmental law.