The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) will welcome a dynamic lineup of events highlighting the intersections of environmental law, ethics, industry leadership, and student experiences. In partnership with student organizations, alumni, environmental advocates, and academic collaborators, HELI continues to foster vibrant discussion and community engagement on urgent environmental issues.
Join us for an upcoming event during the fall semester!
Barred Owls, Spotted Owls, and Ethics in Wildlife Management
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
The season opens with an event hosted by the Environmental Law Society, featuring a discussion on the legal and ethical complexities of a US Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife management plan for owls. “Barred Owls, Spotted Owls, and Ethics in Wildlife Management” will explore the real-world challenges of species conservation policy. The event will take place on Thursday, September 25, and is open to the Iowa Law community and the public. Contact Megan LeBlanc if you’re interested in joining.
More information and registration
Law and Legacy Networking Reception
Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
On Friday, September 26, HELI and the College of Law invite members of the public, alumni, students, and faculty to the “Law and Legacy” Networking Reception. Held in Iowa City, the reception provides a chance to connect across generations of environmental law students and professionals. This event is free and open to the public.
More information and registration
The Private Sector and the Planet: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Corporate Governance and Reporting
Monday, Sept. 29, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
HELI’s four-part speaker series The Private Sector and the Planet, co-hosted with Vanderbilt Law School and the Tippie Social Impact Community, launches this fall with a special fireside chat on Monday, September 29. Jill Sanchez, Vice President of Financial Reporting at Deere & Company, will join us to discuss the evolving role of the private sector in climate governance, highlighting recent changes. This virtual event highlights how corporate leadership is shaping sustainability across industries.
More information and registration
Royal Gardner on Waters of the United States
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
On Friday, October 10, HELI will host law professor and author Royal Gardner for a book talk on Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource. The event will offer insight into one of the most hotly debated environmental legal doctrines in the United States and provide an opportunity to engage directly with one of the nation’s leading experts in wetlands and water law. This program is the first of two events this fall examining wetlands and water protections in the wake of the Sackett v. EPA decision.
Explore the book and event details
From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed
Thursday, Oct, 30, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, Iowa Hydroscience and Engineering, and Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy for a timely panel discussion exploring how states, communities, and advocates are responding to the regulatory and environmental uncertainties left in the wake of the Sackett v. EPA decision. With a focus on wetlands and water protections across the Mississippi River watershed—from the bluffs of the Driftless Region to the bayous of the Delta—this conversation brings together regional experts to highlight innovative legal, policy, and collaborative approaches for safeguarding. This panel will feature diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape of water law and governance. This program is the final event this fall examining wetlands and water protections in the wake of the Sackett v. EPA decision.
More information and registration
Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 at 12:45 p.m.
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative and the Iowa State Bar Association for "Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships." Held on Thursday, November 20, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm at the University of Iowa College of Law, this hybrid event features 3–5 minute lightning talks by Iowa Law students who interned in environmental law and policy roles across the state, region, country, and world. From litigation and advocacy to research and regulatory practice, students will offer real‑world reflections on their experiences—providing attendees with a glimpse into the next generation of environmental legal professionals in action. This session is part of the broader Environmental Law CLE at Iowa Law and is open to students, faculty, practitioners, and the public. Lunch will be provided for in‑person attendees who register by November 13.
This event is co-sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association and the Environment & Sustainability Career Community at the Pomerantz Career Center.
More information and registration
Coming Soon: Private Environmental Governance Speaker Series at Vanderbilt
November, date to be announced.
A second installment of The Private Sector and the Planet series is tentatively scheduled for November at Vanderbilt Law School, with a virtual attendance options for the Iowa Law and broader community. This event will explore the role of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurial leadership in advancing climate solutions. Stay tuned for updates on timing and registration.
More information and registration
With topics ranging from the corporate boardroom to the Mississippi Delta, HELI’s Fall 2025 programming reflects the depth and diversity of today’s environmental law conversations. By fostering dialogue, collaboration, and community, HELI continues to equip the next generation of legal professionals to navigate—and shape—the future of environmental governance.
To stay up to date on all HELI events and initiatives, visit heli.law.uiowa.edu .