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Find or narrow a paper topic,
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Librarian
Databases
- Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowA good place for journal articles. Use words like global warming or climate change and narrow down your search using the suggestions provided.
- Films on Demand This link opens in a new windowStreaming videos you can watch anywhere. Search for policy topics or browse the categories for topics like Environmental Problems and Management.
Books
Here are some suggested terms to use when searching the library catalog. For specific topics, adding "law" or "policy" to your search can help you weed out less relevant material.
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International Environmental Law
- Environmental Policy
- Energy Policy
If your first search brings up too many irrelevant items, try using the Refine by Topic suggestions in the box on the left of the search results screen.
We have a well-stocked reference section that can be useful for overviews, data, and research help. Here are some examples of what you might find:
The Environment A to Z by Call Number: Reference GE10 .H67 2001This is a great starting point for understanding the laws and policies surrounding particular environmental issues, whether exotic species or mining. The entries in this small book are short, but provide concise descriptions of the related laws and policy issues.
Battleground: Environment by Call Number: Reference GE105 .C65 2008This is an excellent resource for environmental policy research since it focuses on the conflicts surrounding each issue, examining them from all sides. Relevant laws and policies are discussed, and each entry has web resources to consult and suggestions for further reading.
A Dictionary of Environmental Economics, Science, and Policy by Entries on a wide range of environmental issues, as well as primers on international environmental problems, economics and environment, and environmental systems. Use it online!
Dictionary of Environmental Law by A useful online source for information on U.S. and international laws and regulations on environmental issues. Use it online!
Encyclopedia of World Environmental History by Call Number: Reference GE10 .E63 2004 v. 1-3This easy-to-use reference book has extensive entries under the broad heading of Law. Also look for topics like International Law. Each entry has suggestions for further reading.
OECD Environmental Outlook to 2030Call Number: Reference HC79.E5 O325 2008Meant as a guide to policy-makers, this work projects the impact of current environmental trends such as population and climate change to the year 2030. Divided into sections on the consequences of policy inaction, proposed policy responses, and putting policies together.
Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology by Call Number: Reference GE10 .P67 2000While it does contain some descriptions of environmental laws and policy concerns, this book is really useful for finding detailed descriptions of scientific and technical terms that you'll find in government reports and other documents.
Environmental Issues: Essential Primary Sources by Call Number: Reference GE105 .E5825 2006From the Yellowstone National Park Act to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, this book has primary documents related to a number of environmental laws and policies. See chapter 5 on Environmental Legislation, though relevant entries may be found in other chapters as well.
Environmental Issues in American History: A Reference Guide with Primary Documents by Call Number: Reference GE150 .M338 2006This work contains detailed accounts of environmental issues such as the bison slaughter,, and the Endangered Species Act. It includes primary documents and discussion of the policy debates on each topic. 
Energy, Transportation & the Environment: A Statistical Sourcebook and Guide to Government DataCall Number: Reference HE1 .E54 2008This book is designed to gather data and statistics on various topics from a number of different government sources. Each table contains information on where the data comes from, and there is a useful Guide to Sources at the back.
Freshwater Issues: A Reference Handbook by Call Number: Reference TD345 .S65 2002This is the place to go for freshwater policy information. The book discusses water supply and water rights issues, provides a history of water management and policy, statistics, and information on government agencies, organizations, etc. that are responsible for freshwater concerns. You'll also find print and non-print references for further research.
Web Resources
- USA.gov
"The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal," this site can direct you to government information on just about any topic. Browse the categories (e.g., "Jobs and Education" or Health and Nutrition") or use the search box at the top of the page.
There is also a handy A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies.
- Environmental Protection AgencyThe EPA is the government body responsible for policy on pollution, water quality, climate change, and other environmental concerns. The website contains background information on such topics, as well as the laws and regulations that the EPA enforces and issues.
- House Committee on National ResourcesHere you can find information on the House Committee on National Resources, including member information, agenda topics, and hearing videos. The committee is responsible for wildlife, conservation, national parks, and other environmental concerns.
- Senate Committee on Environment and Public WorksThe Committee is responsible for environmental concerns such as pollution, natural disasters, and flood control. You can find information on the members and the committee's agenda.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceThe agency responsible for studying, maintaining, and regulating habitats and species. Look here for information about the agency and topics such as wetlands, invasive species, and more.
- Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis CenterThis is the government body responsible for climate change statistics. Browse the "Subject Areas" links to the right-hand side of the page for detailed data on subjects like the carbon cycle and atmospheric trace gas measurements.
- Encyclopedia of EarthInstead of Wikipedia, try this free encyclopedia of environmental issues. All content is written by experts. Topics include Climate Change, Pollution, Globalization and more. See also EarthNews for news stories on environmental topics.
- Policy Archive: EnvironmentInformation on a wide range of environmental policy issues, from Forest Management to Weather and Climate.