The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative is proud to present its growing research portfolio highlighting interdisciplinary projects designed to address emerging environmental challenges facing Iowa while creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement. Our projects are centered on collaboration and partnership in order to conserve and preserve the environment in Iowa and beyond.
Current and Upcoming Projects
Data Centers in Iowa
The Iowa Data Center Decision Tool, developed by HELI in partnership with the Tippie College of Business Social Impact Community, is a conversation starter and risk management resource. It is an objective resource to help communities prepare for data center discussions by identifying key questions before decisions are made.
Chemical Regulation and Oversight
Through participation in a National Science Foundation study, the Chemical Regulation and Oversight project brings together researchers from law, chemistry, and environmental science to better understand how different categories of chemicals are regulated and how those regulatory frameworks shape environmental and public health outcomes. This project is still in development.
NOAA-funded work
Led by the University of Iowa, the regional partnership brings together researchers, community organizations, Tribal nations, government agencies, and universities across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska to strengthen climate resilience through community-driven research and action.
State of the Environment
Vanderbilt's annual State of the Environment Conference hosts five panels to discuss information and updates on the following panel topics: State of the Environment Report Presentation, State of Water, State of Energy, State of Land Use and Conservation, and State of Scholarship and Innovation. HELI's participation and collaboration with Vanderbilt for this conference is forthcoming.
Student Research & Participation
Hear from students about their experiences working as research assistants for HELI's current and upcoming projects!
Claire Benson
I am working on HELI’s project analyzing the expanded development of AI-ready data centers in Iowa, with a focus on legal, regulatory, and operational considerations for all levels of government concerning water and energy usage, community considerations, and environmental impacts. My work has involved legal research, drafting a white paper detailing my research findings, and engaging with HELI partners to support their creation of a toolkit for local decisionmakers.
My legal research position with HELI has served as an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in how environmental laws and regulations apply to modern discussions like data center development in America. Through my work, I have sharpened my legal research, writing, and collaborative skills, and met wonderful professionals in the environmental law and policy sphere. Working for HELI has brought so much joy to my academic and professional experiences in law school and will continue to provide invaluable support as I prepare for my career in environmental law.
Kieran Kohorst
This project focuses on the process of bringing chemical products to the marketplace by comparing the regulatory frameworks of different product categories. We have teamed up with Dr. Cwiertny and graduate student Sarah Crane in the Department of Chemistry to develop a study on the policies around different chemicals and how the regulatory process considers the environment. I attended several HELI events on campus when I first arrived at the College of Law, and I was struck by the importance of the work that HELI does and the range of topics that exist within their scope. I've been surprised to learn about the lack of regulations that exist for some chemical product categories, especially in the category of cosmetics. I've also become familiar with some landmark legislation, like the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). With hopes of staying in Iowa after graduation, this position has shown me how important it is to educate and have conversations with others about environmental law topics. HELI has engaged leaders at the University as well as around Iowa City through their incredible events, and I hope to continue to advocate for environmental justice in my professional career.