Crain, Caton, & James, P.C. was a sponsor of the 2023 Texas Environmental Superconference. Robert E. “Robin” Morse and I represented our firm among the approximately 400 who attended last week in Austin, Texas.

35th Annual Superconference

This year was the 35th annual Superconference; topics included criminal enforcement of environmental laws, water resource challenges, environmental justice, natural resource damages, participating in contested administrative hearings, and practical advice for presenting technical evidence. A highlight for me was the honoring of two environmental lawyers I have long admired and considered friends.

Jeff Civins

The State Bar of Texas Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section (ENRLS) honored Jeff Civins, the Superconference chair since its inception, by instituting an annual award in his name. In addition to his work for the Superconference, Jeff is a former Partner and now Senior Counsel with Haynes & Boone; he is also an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law. ENRLS will honor Jeff and an annual recipient with the “Jeff Civins Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Walt Shelton

The first recipient is Walt Shelton. I had the joy of practicing with Walt earlier in our careers. He now splits his time between an environmental law practice in Austin and as adjunct professor at Baylor Law School, where he teaches environmental and water related courses. His volunteer work includes being co-chair of the ENRLS Law School Committee and on the ENRLS Executive Committee. He is well known to Superconference attendees and many others as an author and speaker on wellness, ethics, and life quality issues.

If you see or have a social media connection with Jeff or Walt, make sure to thank and congratulate them.