IEC Statement on Iowa House Study Bill 552

The Iowa Environmental Council is the state’s largest environmental coalition, with nearly 100 member organizations. We have been working to build a just, safe, and healthy future for all Iowans for 30 years.

We cannot preserve and protect our natural environment without also recognizing the dignity of all people in Iowa. We believe in justice – that all people regardless of race, ethnicity, and national origin deserve equal protection under the law. This includes not just rights to clean air and water, but also the promise of a livable future.

This bill would increase barriers for community members by limiting access to locally issued identification used to access government or community programs. It would erode trust within communities and make it more difficult to engage the most underserved members of our communities, and to achieve our shared goals of a safe, healthy environment for all people in Iowa. People who are fearful of leaving their homes, accessing healthcare institutions, or even traveling to their workplaces and schools, cannot meaningfully participate in our environment, our economy, or our democracy.

We stand with our partners, friends, and neighbors to oppose the bill because it undermines the just, safe, and healthy future we envision for all Iowans.