From October 14-16, 2026, the Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources will gather at the intersection of history, innovation, and natural wonder in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ranging from critical updates on policy developments to hands-on strategies for addressing compliance and litigation challenges, this fall's panels will offer road-tested guidance for a multitude of settings. Attendees will hear from leaders across government, private practice, academia, nonprofit organizations, and industry, each bringing a unique perspective informed by diverse geographies and regulatory regimes.
On Friday, October 16th, counsel Molly Baker will join the panel, "Waste Not, Want Not: Exploring Waste Reduction Strategies in an Increasingly Circular Economy."
With pressure to go green, companies are looking for opportunities to reduce or even eliminate landfill waste in their operations and products at end-of-life. This panel discusses strategies for waste reduction being implemented—whether voluntarily or due to legal requirements—by companies and the advantages and challenges experienced in the process. Panelists will discuss how extended producer responsibility (EPR) is expanding the circularity of the economy, including the redesign of products and processes to incorporate recycled material and reduce waste, increasing reusability and recyclability of products, and eliminating unnecessary packaging. Speakers will also consider costs and challenges arising from these changes, including staying competitive in the market, the expense of funding EPR programs, and where change is not practical or possible. While the lofty goal of a zero-waste future is an objective of many companies, consumers, and even regulators alike, the bumpy road ahead is lined with opportunities for innovation, public participation and positive environmental impacts.
Panelists
- Molly Barker, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Seattle, WA
- Amanda Filie, Senior Engineer, Exponent, Inc., Natick, MA
- Jesse Medlong, DLA Piper LLP (US), Seattle, WA
- James Pollack (Moderator), Marten Law LLP, Seattle, WA
- Panel Liaison: Talia Gordner, McMillan LLP, Toronto, Ontario, Canada