About the University of Iowa Environmental Law Society

In 1978, the Environmental Law Society (ELS) was organized by students to enrich the curricular and research offerings. ELS has provided a forum for environmental law topics by sponsoring lectures and hosting symposia in natural resources, energy, and environmental law. 

These events have increased in frequency since the advent of HELI, who partners on numerous events and programming with ELS. 

Today, the purpose of the Environmental Law Society (ELS) is to enable law and university students to engage with environmental law and policy issues through volunteer and informational events. ELS also facilitates professional networking for law students. 

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Upcoming Events

ELS hosts events and partners with other UI and community groups to collaborate on events. Everyone is welcomed to attend these events!

Upcoming ELS Events

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report promotional image

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Big Grove Brewery Iowa City
Join for a public presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report.
From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed  promotional image

From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed

Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

Join us 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 critical...

Finding Common Ground: Bypassing Polarization on Energy Issues Fireside Chat promotional image

Finding Common Ground: Bypassing Polarization on Energy Issues Fireside Chat

Monday, November 3, 2025 12:10pm to 1:10pm
Virtual

The Private Sector and the Planet: Environmental Governance Across Industries series presents:

Watch Party – Finding Common Ground: Energy and Bipartisanship
Join us for a live watch party of “Finding Common Ground: Bypassing Polarization on Energy Issues,” featuring former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, a nationally recognized leader in clean energy and pragmatic policymaking. Hosted by Vanderbilt Law School, this conversation explores how collaboration can drive real progress on...

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Join us in exploring the fascinating world of environmental law, while advocating for sustainability, clean energy, and a greener future. From exciting events to insightful discussions, we've got a lot in store for you!

We're here to provide you with valuable resources to help you navigate the environmental law sector through networking opportunities, job listings, and peer advising.

Whether you are set on an environmental law career or simply intrigued by the subject, we are the org for you!

Stay tuned for updates, events, and opportunities.

 

 

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Contact Us

Contact ELS leadership at studorg-envlawsocy@uiowa.edu 

Get involved

Get involved with Iowa ELS!