January 22, 2025

Working toward a sustainable future beyond the classroom and on the Arizona-Mexico border

Faculty at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University are committed to teaching the next generation of lawyers. However, some faculty members' impact goes beyond the classroom, benefiting students and surrounding communities.

Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law Rhett Larson grew up in Yuma, Arizona, surrounded by fields of greenery and the labors of agriculture. His upbringing and direct impact on the Arizona-Mexico border inspired him to become involved with the Arizona-Mexico Commission, a nonprofit organization focused on improving Arizona's economic prosperity and quality of life through collaboration with Mexico.

Larson joined AMC’s board of directors in 2023, serving on committees related to water and environment, agriculture and wildlife and real estate. 

“People will often oversimplify our relationship with Mexico to issues of immigration and cross-border crime, but the relationship is much broader and deeper than that,” Larson said. “Border communities are not a monolith, but very diverse cities and towns with varying opportunities and obstacles.”

As Mexico is the largest trading partner for both Arizona and the U.S., AMC works on issues ranging from water resource management to health care data sharing and semiconductor production.

One of Larson’s recent accomplishments was helping to negotiate and sign the Arizona-Sonora Environmental Strategic Plan. The agreement aims to address environmental issues affecting both sides of the Arizona-Sonora border. Ultimately the plan focuses on reducing emissions, combating illegal dumping and recovering and reintroducing native species.

Larson's role on the commission contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Arizona communities.

ASU Law takes pride in its engaged faculty, whose expertise drives meaningful change in the classroom and beyond. To learn more about the law school’s environmental sustainability area of expertise, visit law.asu.edu/environmental-sustainability.

Written by Crystal Jimenez