For the third year in a row, Iowa Law and the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative are proud to present the recipients of the 2025-2026 Hubbell Award for Excellence in Environmental Law.

The Hubbell Award recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental, natural resources, and/or energy law over the course of their time at Iowa Law. The award includes a $1,000 gift provided by the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, through the generous support from Charlotte Beyer Hubbell (76JD) and Fred Hubbell (76JD). 

The 2025-2026 Hubbell Award will be shared by two exemplary students, Abby Crabtree and Nate Spindler-Krage. 

Abby Crabtree

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa

Why is environmental or public interest work important to you? My interest in the environment began when I was young and has stayed with me throughout my time in higher education. I grew up on a dairy farm in Dubuque County, where I developed a deep appreciation for the farmers that work and care for our land. As a lifelong Iowan, I recognize the importance of our land and water to the communities that have built their lives here. I hope to blend my agricultural background with my sustainability background in my future practice of law. After graduation, I am grateful to be working in Iowa, where I can continue to serve my community.

Nate Spindler-Krage

Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota 

Why is environmental or public interest work important to you? As individuals, it often feels impossible to change the course of our society. In Iowa and much of the Midwest, we face soil loss, water quality degradation, and a quickly changing climate. We need to halt environmental destruction while adapting to what we change—and that requires everyone. Public interest work is critical because it bridges the gap between individuals and society. We may (1) build connections within our communities and (2) leverage the law to codify and enforce expectations—our hopes and dreams. Now, too often, we see our communities struggling alongside our environment. Public interest work may help us reverse course so that we, our children, and our children's children are able to connect with a safe and beautiful Iowa. 

Join us in congratulating Abby and Nate for their commitment to environmental law. Their dedication embodies the mission of the Hubbell Award, the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, and the College of Law. We are so excited to see what they accomplish in their upcoming legal careers!