The new intersession offerings prepare students for real-world work at the intersection of environmental law, corporate accountability, and government transparency.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative (HELI) at the University of Iowa College of Law is expanding Iowa Law’s environmental law curriculum with two new intersession courses focused on corporate sustainability, environmental governance, and government transparency.

Expanding opportunities in environmental law

Beginning in spring 2026, students will have the opportunity to explore two rapidly evolving areas of environmental legal practice: private environmental governance and the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in environmental advocacy and litigation.

The new offerings reflect Iowa Law’s continued investment in practice-oriented environmental education and provide students with exposure to the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks shaping environmental decision-making across the public and private sectors.

“Environmental law involves evolving public policies and private sector demands," said Jen Terry, HELI's Director. "HELI's dedicated to bringing practitioners into the classroom gives students a front-row seat to how environmental decisions are actually made, equipping them with the practical skills and frameworks they need to shape the future of the field."

 

The new course offerings

Environmental Governance and Corporate Sustainability (LAW:8441)
Instructor: Jeffrey Gowdy

class

Environmental Governance and Corporate Sustainability examines how businesses are responding to growing pressure from investors, regulators, consumers, and supply chain partners to address climate and sustainability risks.

The course explores the expanding role of private environmental governance, including:

  • sustainability disclosure frameworks
  • climate-related risk management
  • supply chain contracting
  • investor and lender expectations
  • sustainability reporting and compliance
  • the relationship between sustainability and long-term business value

Using case studies and real-world examples, students will gain practical insight into how environmental considerations are reshaping corporate strategy, risk management, and legal practice.

The course is designed for students interested in environmental law, corporate governance, compliance, business strategy, and nonprofit leadership.

FOIA and Environmental Law (LAW:8442)
Instructors: Kevin Bell and Hudson Kingston

Foia class

FOIA and Environmental Law explores the Freedom of Information Act as a strategic tool for environmental lawyers, advocates, and investigators seeking government transparency and accountability.

Drawing on real-world environmental litigation examples, students will examine how FOIA requests can uncover regulatory failures, reveal corporate misconduct, and strengthen environmental enforcement efforts.

Topics include:

  • the legal framework governing FOIA requests
  • agency exemptions and denials
  • litigation strategies
  • environmental investigations
  • government transparency
  • agency accountability

The course emphasizes practical legal skills applicable to careers in environmental litigation, public interest advocacy, investigative work, and regulatory practice.

Expanding environmental law opportunities at Iowa Law

The addition of these intersession courses reflects HELI’s broader commitment to expanding innovative environmental law programming at Iowa Law.