2026 Public Interest Environmental Conference

The 2026 Public Interest Environmental Conference, held at the University of Florida Levin College of Law from February 12-13, convened more than 100 scholars, practitioners, and students to discuss the most pressing environmental issues of our time. The two‑day event opened with a welcoming reception on Thursday, followed by a keynote “The Tech Energy Transition” delivered by Professor Amy Stein. Professor Alex Erwin and Dean Merritt McAlister kicked off the program on Friday before attendees split into a staggered schedule of panels and presentations throughout the day.

Sessions addressed a broad spectrum of topics, from changes in Florida agriculture and connections between food systems and mental health, to emerging tools like the EcoCon Conservation Tool and applications of artificial intelligence in law. The program also examined recent policy developments affecting conservation, along with discussions on coalition building, conservation easements, sewage sludge impacts, and strategic planning for nonprofits and cross-boundary conservation.

UF Law has hosted the annual environmental conference since 1995. To view the full schedule and list of speakers, and to explore past conferences, visit https://ufpiec.org/.