West Virginia University Law Student Competition to Focus on Fracking

Law students will tackle a hydraulic fracturing case at the annual National Energy & Sustainability Moot Court Competition in Morgantown.

Fracking is the process gas drillers use to free natural gas from shale formations.

The competition is set for March 14-16 at the West Virginia University College of Law.

Two WVU exhibition teams will compete against 13 others from across the country.

Dean Joyce McConnell says the contest will help law students sharpen their skills, work with industry professionals and regulators, and gain awareness about environmental issues.

The case being argued involves the Environmental Protection Agency and a fictitious drilling company accused of violating the Clean Air Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

It was developed by James Van Nostrand, director of the school’s Center for Energy and Sustainable Development.