[1] TELC's mission is to 1) train effective and ethical lawyers by guiding law students through actual client representation; 2) expand access to the legal system, especially for those who could not otherwise afford competent legal help on environmental issues; and 3) bolster community members' capacity to participate effectively in environmental decisions.
[3] On behalf of their clients, TELC students[4] and supervising attorneys litigate environmental citizen suits to abate industrial pollution,[5] appeal permits for environmental pollution or destruction of wetlands,[6] challenge agency regulations that fall short of legislative mandates,[7] and prod agencies to perform statutory duties.
[11] The American Bar Association honored TELC as co-recipient of its first "Award for Distinguished Achievement in Environmental Law and Policy" in 2000.
In addition to funding from Tulane Law School, TELC relies on donations by individuals, families and corporations, foundation grants,[58] and attorney-fee recoveries.
[69] Even after EPA's objection to the polyvinyl chloride plant, however, Governor Foster met cordially with a TELC student attorney on Clean Water Act issues in January 2003.