21st Annual Stegner Center Young Scholar Lecture with Danielle Stokes (De-fossilizing Property Rights)

Originally aired September 18, 2025

21st Annual Stegner Center Young Scholar Lecture with Danielle Stokes This presentation examines the complex intersections between property rights, land use, and the energy transition, analyzing how “fossilized” property laws often prioritize extraction over sustainable practices, thereby complicating efforts for a cleaner energy future. The discussion highlights the need for comprehensive legal reforms that reshape property rights to support regenerative and equitable energy policies. In proposing major changes to the existing legal paradigm and exploring the implications of these changes, Professor Stokes illuminates possible pathways toward a climate-resilient future that addresses social equity and sustainability at the land-energy nexus.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Danielle Stokes is an Associate Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law. She teaches and writes in the areas of property, environmental law, and environmental justice, with a focus on sustainability and equity in land use planning. Her scholarship has appeared in book chapters and law journals including the Minnesota Law Review, Boston University Law Review, and the UCLA Law Review. Her work has also been featured in several media outlets, including Business Insider and E&E News. Prior to joining academia, Professor Stokes worked in land use and real estate law at McGuireWoods. She is a graduate of the University of Richmond and the University of Virginia School of Law.

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