Widener Law Commonwealth Emeritus Professor John Dernbach Receives ABA Distinguished Achievement Award in Environmental Law and Policy
A Widener University Commonwealth Law faculty member who has shaped environmental policy for decades has been honored with one of the highest recognitions in his field. John C. Dernbach, emeritus professor, a leading advocate for sustainable development, received the American Bar Association’s 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award in Environmental Law and Policy for his groundbreaking contributions to environmental protection.
“I don’t work for awards, but it’s gratifying to know that my work is being recognized,” Dernbach said. “At the same time, it’s humbling because there are many other lawyers doing excellent and important work in this field.”
Raised in northern Wisconsin, Dernbach’s connection to the outdoors began early. “I grew up fishing and hunting with my dad and brothers, and the first Earth Day in 1970 sparked my interest in environmental issues,” he recalled. His upbringing, coupled with his exposure to environmental debates in high school, led him to pursue a career in environmental law, a journey that has spanned more than 30 years.
Among his many achievements, Dernbach is known for his role in drafting four major Pennsylvania environmental laws, including the state’s landmark recycling law, which has kept millions of tons of material out of landfills each year. He has also led national projects assessing U.S. progress on sustainable development since the 1992 Earth Summit.
“There are many ways to protect and restore the environment while also advancing economic and social development,” said Dernbach. “We often think of development and environmental protection as opposing forces, but they don’t have to be.”
Dernbach’s work has reached beyond Pennsylvania. His scholarship has contributed to significant judicial decisions, including U.S. Supreme Court rulings on greenhouse gas regulations and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s revitalization of the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment. He also co-edited “Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States,” a book recommending over 1,500 legal measures to help the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
“Looking back, one of the most rewarding aspects of my career is realizing that I’ve made a tangible impact,” Dernbach reflected. “Every time I put our recycling bin on the curb, I’m reminded of that.”
Dernbach’s passion for environmental law extends to his role as an educator, where he has inspired countless students at Widener Law Commonwealth. “If I can do these things, so can you,” he advises the next generation of environmental law professionals. “But you need to work hard, be persistent, and find opportunities where you can make a meaningful contribution.”
In receiving the ABA Distinguished Achievement Award, Dernbach joins a select group of individuals recognized for their leadership and innovation in environmental law. “This award reflects not only the work I’ve done but also the collective efforts of many others in this field,” he said.
The award will be presented in a virtual ceremony later this year, celebrating Dernbach’s career and his enduring contributions to environmental law and policy.
For more information on the ABA’s awards and the upcoming ceremony, visit the 2024 SEER Award Recipients.
