The Consortium for Ecological Law is a New York–based nonprofit founded in 2023 to advance the transition from human-centered environmental law toward Earth-centered legal frameworks. We conduct research, develop policy and legal tools, and support organizations working to advance Rights of Nature and climate justice.

Our mission is to protect the biosphere and climate through ecological law. We work to develop and advance legal and policy tools that recognize ecological limits, strengthen Rights of Nature, and support Earth-centered governance at local, national, and international levels.

We envision a world in which the rights of Nature are legally recognized and enforceable, climate justice is embedded in legal systems, and the biosphere is protected through Earth-centered legal frameworks at every level of governance.

The Consortium for Ecological Law was co-founded by Professor Richard L. Ottinger, Dean Emeritus of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and former United States Congressman, who served as its Vice President until his passing on February 16, 2026, at the age of 98. Professor Nicholas A. Robinson continues to lead the Consortium for Ecological Law as President and Chairman. Professor Dr. Victor M. Tafur, another co-founder, serves as Executive Director.

Yes. The Consortium for Ecological Law is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, recognized as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service and registered with the New York State Charities Bureau. All key legal and financial documents are publicly available on the About Us page.

The Consortium for Ecological Law is an entirely separate entity but has deep institutional connections with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. Several board members — including Professor Nicholas A. Robinson, Professor Ann Powers, Professor Shakeel Kazmi, and Professor Dr. Victor M. Tafur — are current or emerita faculty at Pace Law. The Consortium also collaborates with Pace University’s Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies and the Pace Energy and Climate Center.

Ecological law refers to legal frameworks that place the health and integrity of the Earth’s ecosystems at the center of governance. Unlike traditional environmental law, which often regulates harm after it occurs, ecological law recognizes that natural systems have inherent rights, interests, and limits that legal systems should respect and protect.

The Rights of Nature is a legal concept that recognizes natural entities — such as rivers, ecosystems, forests, and the atmosphere — as possessing inherent rights to exist, flourish, and be restored. These rights give nature legal standing in courts, meaning humans can legally advocate on behalf of ecosystems.