Thirty years ago, Lloyd K. Garrison and his associate, Albert K. Butzel, of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, won the landmark decision to preserve Storm King Mountain on the Hudson River. This victory for the Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference did more than safeguard "an area of unique beauty and major historical importance." It inaugurated what today we recognize as the field of Environmental Law.

Standing in Court to protect Nature, citizen suit legislation, the environmental impact statement process, and the balancing of economics with the preservation of scenic beauty and historic resources: these are all rooted in Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference v. Federal Power Commission, 354 F.2d 608 (2d Cir. 1965) cert. denied, 384U.S.941(1966). The Lloyd K. Garrison Lecture at Pace University School of Law celebrates the vision, public spirit and life of the attorney whose legal acumen led citizens in their successful advocacy of environmental quality at Storm King.

Lloyd K. Garrison was a graduate of Harvard College and School of Law. His calling to the bar led him immediately into public service, helping start the National Labor Relations Board while serving as Dean of the University of Wisconsin Law School. A great Grandson of William Lloyd Garrison, the Abolitionist, he was a member of the National Urban League from 1924, and labored constantly in support of civil rights, defending Arthur Miller, Langston Hughes and J. Robert Oppenheimer during the era of McCarthyism. Lloyd K. Garrison’s service in support of honest and open government marked his role with the Association of the Bar of the City of New York and his participation on numerous federal commissions and agencies from Presidents Herbert Hoover through Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman.

For all his 93 years, Lloyd K. Garrison devoted his brilliance and indefatigable energy to building a humane and caring society, respectful of the rule of law. Consistent with this dedication, Lloyd K. Garrison took up the citizens’ call to represent the Scenic Hudson Preservation Conference in its struggle to protect the Hudson River Gorge at Storm King Mountain. With characteristic enthusiasm he championed public participation rights for the community’s environmental interest, just as he did for civil rights and liberties. The Scenic Hudson victory is a living testament to the ever hopeful spirit of Lloyd K. Garrison.