Pro Bono Scientists

A key to E-LAW`s high impact success is the dedicated scientific experts who provide pro bono assistance to E-LAW lawyers around the world. These experts are some of the nation`s foremost authorities in fields such as environmental chemistry, microbiology, and epidemiology.

By providing free help to our partners around the world, these scientists help E-LAW achieve big impacts at low cost. In addition, E-LAW`s pro bono scientists extend the benefits of their good work for the environment in the U.S. to communities in other countries.

These experts provide thousands of dollars worth of free scientific support, including everything from analyzing technical portions of environmental impact assessments to signing affidavits and providing expert opinions in court cases.

Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller

For a case in South Africa, Glenn Miller, Director of Environmental Sciences and Health at the University of Nevada at Reno (and E-LAW U.S. Director), prepared an affidavit that was submitted on behalf of communities affected by air and water pollution from massive, abandoned gold mining waste dumps in South Africa`s gold mining belt. The affidavit will educate the judge about environmental problems associated with mining wastes and how to remediate dump sites.

Glenn has had a powerful influence on environmental legislation in Nevada — most notably in the passage of the 1989 mining law which made industry responsible for reclaiming contaminated lands. As a leading expert on the ecological impacts of mining wastes, he is recognized not only for his deep scientific understanding, but also for his "willingness to roll up his sleeves."

Wilma Subra

Wilma Subra is President of the Subra Company and Technical Advisor to the Louisiana Environmental Action Network. She holds degrees in microbiology and chemistry from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and was awarded a MacArthur "genius" award in 1999. Wilma is an active member on several U.S. EPA and state scientific advisory committees, and is frequently called upon to testify on environmental issues before Congress.

Wilma is passionate about empowering local communities to influence environmental decision-making. She is dedicated to making technical research and data publicly available, and has been responsible for establishing community air monitoring programs throughout Louisiana and Texas. These local initiatives have forced state and federal agencies to bolster inspections, surveillance and enforcement actions at polluting factories.

A native of oil-rich Louisiana, Wilma has become a national expert on the environmental impacts of oil drilling. She recently helped E-LAW partners in Costa Rica review sections of the environmental impact assessment for a controversial offshore oil and gas exploration project. Wilma evaluated the oil company`s proposed drilling plan and described how the disposal of drilling wastes could negatively impact coastal areas.

Christopher Weaver

Christopher Weaver is the founder and President of Engine, Fuel, and Emissions Engineering, Inc., in Sacramento, California. He is an automotive engineer with more than 20 years of experience in engine technology, fuels, emission controls and environmental policy. Chris has served as a consultant to the U.S. EPA and the World Bank, where he helped design vehicle emission control programs for Mexico City, Bangkok, São Paulo, Santiago and Buenos Aires. He has been a major force in the global effort to phase out leaded gasoline.

Chris is currently helping E-LAW advocates in Africa improve urban air quality where vehicles run on dirty fuel without emission controls. These advocates represent the NGO community on a committee establishing standards for clean fuels and vehicle emissions.

Chris has helped E-LAW advocates at critical moments of the committee`s negotiations. For example, Chris helped demonstrate that reducing diesel fuel sulfur content will indirectly reduce deadly particulate matter. Chris also helped debunk assertions that leaded fuel was still needed for Africa`s aging vehicle fleet, and that unleaded fuel would worsen air quality. The committee is nearing compromise positions on fuel quality and emission standards that will set a precedent in reducing motor vehicle pollution.