EPR Live!

Wednesday, April 30 | 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM 

Environmental Professionals Radio (EPR) is NAEP's very own hit podcast. Launched in January 2021, it has quickly become the go-to podcast for environmental professionals. The show's cohosts Nic Frederick and Laura Thorne interview environmental professionals at all levels of their careers to bring you a nuanced and informed discussion on what it's like to work in the environmental arena. We talk through the failures, struggles, and successes of the typical environmental professional. We also highlight news, updates, and fun facts from the scientific community. We are excited to provide this podcast to reach environmental professionals, students, and educators who have one thing in common: we spend our time working to protect the environment. We are excited to bring the show back to the NAEP Annual Conference and host a live recording for attendees! 

Guests

Fred Wagner, Partner, Venable LLP

Fred Wagner focuses on environmental and natural resources issues concerning major infrastructure, including surface transportation, energy, mining, and commercial project development. Fred manages and defends environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or equivalent state statutes.

He also secures permits and approvals from regulators under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Fred counsels clients regarding implementation of U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) surface transportation programs, including grant management, domestic preference standards, procurement, suspension and debarment, and safety regulation.

Rodney A. Smolla, President, Vermont Law and Graduate School

Officially beginning his term as president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on July 1, 2022, Rodney Smolla joined VLGS from Widener University Delaware Law School, where he served as dean and professor of law since 2015. 

Previously president of Furman University, and dean at Washington and Lee University and University of Richmond law schools, Professor Smolla has long been a strong advocate for experiential learning, the development of professional competencies, and civic engagement.

Professor Smolla brings to VLGS extensive experience in higher education leadership, with a special focus on strategic and operational planning, enrollment management, and fundraising. After inheriting a nearly $6 million annual operating deficit at Delaware Law School, he will leave the institution with $5 million in budget surpluses, achieved in large part due to dramatic increases in JD enrollment as well as creative revenue generation in non-JD programming.

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