2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow
Since its inception in 1995, the Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law has been a vital platform for legal professionals, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss pressing environmental issues. This year’s 31st annual conference, themed “Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow”, will bring together industry leaders to explore strategies for protecting Florida’s natural resources and advancing environmental law.
I’m honored to be speaking on the Navigating Change: The Vacatur of Florida’s 404 Program and the Evolving Definition of Waters of the United States panel alongside Katherine Hupp and Susan Stephens. This discussion will examine the evolving regulatory landscape and what it means for conservation, development, and permitting in Florida.
Conference Details
📍 Location
UF Levin College of Law, 309 Village Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611
📅 Dates:
- Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Evening Reception (6:00-8:00 PM)
- Friday, February 21, 2025 – Full-Day Conference (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
🎓 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits
The Florida Bar has approved the conference for 10 CLE credits, making this a fantastic educational opportunity for legal professionals.
I’m honored to be speaking on the Navigating Change: The Vacatur of Florida’s 404 Program and the Evolving Definition of Waters of the United States panel alongside Katherine Hupp and Susan Stephens. This discussion will examine the evolving regulatory landscape and what it means for conservation, development, and permitting in Florida.
What to Expect at the 2025 PIEC
The conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers addressing critical environmental topics, including coastal resilience, water policy, conservation strategies, and land use regulation.
Key Sessions & Speakers
- Keynote Address – Stay The Course: Progress in Energy, Finance, and Innovation
- Speaker: Chris Castro
- Coastal Resilience and Dune Restoration
- Speakers: Erin Deady & Katherine Bauman
- Navigating Change: The Vacatur of Florida’s 404 Program and the Evolving Definition of Waters of the United States
- Speakers: Victoria Bruce, Katherine Hupp, & Susan Stephens
- Development of Florida State Parks
- Speakers: Jennifer Bradley & Eric Draper
- Outstanding Florida Springs Rules
- Speakers: Ryan Smart, David Simmons, & Jake Varn
- Swampland for Sale! Conservation Land Acquisition in the Sunshine State
- Speakers: Amanda L. Swindle, Robert Clemmons, Lisa Kreiger, & Emily Gear
- Acting Today to Preserve the Florida Wildlife Corridor for Tomorrow and Beyond
- Speakers: Richard Grosso, Jason Totoiu, Sarah Gledhill, & David Smolker
And many more! Check out the full conference agenda here.
Why Attend?
- Stay informed on evolving environmental policies and legal frameworks
- Engage with experts in conservation, environmental law, and policy
- Earn CLE credits while deepening your knowledge of critical environmental issues
- Network with leaders from public and private sectors dedicated to sustainability
The 2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference is an opportunity to gain insights, build connections, and contribute to Florida’s conservation efforts. I look forward to sharing my expertise and learning from other leaders in the field.
Let’s work together to preserve today and protect tomorrow. See you in Gainesville!
