Blog

posted by Jordan Bles on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 When I started at IEC in 2019, one of my first lunch meetings was with Jennifer Garst. She was someone I knew a little bit about - her legacy through Whiterock Conservancy, her board service to the Iowa Environmental Council, and her history of generous donations. What I didn't know is that Jennifer's spirit of giving extended well beyond her monetary support of IEC, and that this was just the first of many meetings that I would start to greatly look forward to.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, August 25, 2023 The EPA recently denied two petitions seeking stronger rules governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) filed by national and local environmental groups. IEC Staff Attorney Michael Schmidt explains the petitions, the ruling, and what it means for future CAFO rules in Iowa.

posted by Kristen Weaverling on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 One year ago, the nation celebrated the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - marking the largest-ever federal investment in climate action. Join us in celebrating this landmark bill, and learn more about what's in store for Iowa thanks to this historic law.

posted by Kerri Johannsen on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 In 2023, the Iowa legislature adopted HF 617, which requires the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to undertake a review of utility ratemaking laws in Iowa and recommend changes at the start of the 2024 legislative session. In this post, IEC shares what we and our coalition partners are seeking to gain for Iowa ratepayers by engaging in this process.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Thursday, August 3, 2023 A roadtrip to get photos of an ongoing toxic algae bloom reinforced the need to expand water quality advisory signage to protect ALL Iowans.

posted by Guest Blogger on Thursday, July 20, 2023 IEC Member Organization Iowa Rivers Revival re-launched their Service Squad initiative in 2023. In this guest blog post, three Americorps volunteers share their summer experiences as part of the initiative.

posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 IEC is excited to host three interns helping in the legal and communications departments this summer. Meet Alec, Jonathan, and Eva.

posted by Michael Schmidt on Friday, June 16, 2023 Iowa DNR is in the process of updating the rules defining how manure is stored at AFOs and then applied on the landscape. This rulemaking is a chance for DNR to protect Iowans while saving them money, but we need stronger rules to make that happen. The draft rules have some changes, but not enough - and the process is more complicated thanks to an executive order.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, June 2, 2023 To mark the 10th anniversary of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, IEC launched a new website: decliningdecade.org. Big Ag is pushing a narrative that the NRS is a success, when the numbers tell a different story. Water Program Director Alicia Vasto says more about why stories are good, but data is key and what Iowa's really seen in the past ten years.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, May 26, 2023 With the Memorial Day holiday upon us, the start of summer recreation, and weekly beach monitoring, summer has begun! With that comes the start of IEC's Weekly Water Watch series. Read on to learn about new advisory data and activities this summer.