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. 

logo

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

The Farm Bill as Natural Resource Law: How America's Largest Agricultural Law Shapes Land, Water, and Climate  promotional image

The Farm Bill as Natural Resource Law: How America's Largest Agricultural Law Shapes Land, Water, and Climate

Monday, September 28, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

The Farm Bill is often viewed primarily as agricultural legislation, but it is also one of the nation’s most consequential natural resource laws. Through conservation programs, crop insurance, commodity supports, and other incentives, the Farm Bill influences how millions of acres of agricultural land are managed, and, in turn, affects water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience.

This interdisciplinary panel will explore how federal farm policy translates into decisions...

The Return of Nuclear: Duane Arnold, Energy Security, and Iowa's Energy Future promotional image

The Return of Nuclear: Duane Arnold, Energy Security, and Iowa's Energy Future

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

As interest in nuclear energy grows across the United States, Iowa has become part of the national conversation with the proposed restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Cedar Rapids. This timely discussion brings together leaders from the surrounding community, industry, government, environmental advocacy, and the scientific community to think through the legal, scientific, economic, and community issues raised by the proposed Duane Arnold restart. The panel will explore how policymakers...

Hidden in Plain Sight: Environmental Law Across Iowa Practice promotional image

Hidden in Plain Sight: Environmental Law Across Iowa Practice

Friday, October 30, 2026 12:45pm to 1:45pm
Boyd Law Building

Environmental law isn't just for environmental lawyers. Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative for a CLE exploring how environmental issues arise across a wide range of legal practice areas in Iowa. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, panelists will discuss environmental due diligence in business and agricultural transactions, farm succession and estate planning, land use and local government decisions, and litigation involving contamination, nuisance claims, and...

View more events

Follow us on social media

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.

 

 

ELS

ELS Instagram

Contact Us

Contact ELS leadership at studorg-envlawsocy@uiowa.edu 

Get involved

Get involved with Iowa ELS!