Strong Showing at Environmental Lobby Day & REAP Day at the Capitol

Approximately 200 Iowans and 34 diverse organizations from across Iowa gathered at the Iowa State Capitol last Tuesday, March 22 for Environmental Lobby Day & REAP Day at the Capitol 2016. Together, they advocated for sustainable funding, program and policies that support clean water, healthy land and continued clean energy leadership. The event was hosted by the Iowa Environmental Council, the Iowa REAP Alliance, and Iowa’s Water & Land Legacy Coalition.

Traditionally, Environmental Lobby Day & REAP Day at the Capitol has centered on advocating for Iowa’s natural resources, particularly water and land. This year, that focus was expanded to also include a greater emphasis on continuing Iowa’s clean energy leadership. The expanded diversity of issues was reflected in the interests of our individual attendees, our exhibitors and speakers for the day.

This year’s speaker program included Senator David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan), who spoke about the importance of funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund; Representative John Forbes (D-Urbandale), who spoke about continuing Iowa’s transition to clean energy and the many benefits of solar he has personally seen since installing panels on his business; Iowa Public Health Association Executive Director Jeneane Moody, who spoke about the intersection of clean water, clean energy and public health; Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation President Joe McGovern, who spoke about the need to fully fund the Iowa’s Resource and Enhancement Protection program (REAP) at $20 million and fund the Trust; Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association President Tim Dwight who spoke about the rapidly growing solar market in Iowa and the need to continue to improve access through policies including expanding clean energy tax incentives, and Iowa Environmental Council Executive Director Ralph Rosenberg, who acted as emcee and encouraged attendees to keep the momentum going.

The energy at this year’s event was palpable, and we heard from several legislators who were impressed with turnout and the thoughtful, informed conversations they had with their constituents. There’s no doubt that the event helped impress upon policymakers that there is a broad base of support for these issues, which will be particularly important as they head into the final weeks of session.

View photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Thank you to the organizations that displayed at this year’s event:

1000 Friends of Iowa, Blank Park Zoo, Citizens Climate Lobby, Citizens for a Healthy Iowa, Des Moines Water Works, Iowa Audubon, Iowa Conservation Education Coalition, Iowa's County Conservation System, Iowa DOT Living Roadway Trust Fund, Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Environmental Health Association, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Purple Martin Organization, Iowa REAP Alliance, Iowa Renewable Energy Association, Iowa Rivers Revival, Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (IWILL), Iowa Wind Energy Association, Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Lake Macbride Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters, The Nature Conservancy, PrISUm Solar Car Team, Raccoon River Watershed Association, Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, SILT, State Hygienic Laboratory, Trees Forever, Trout Unlimited, UNI Fabulous Resources for Energy Education

1. clean energy
2. conservation
3. iowa legislature
4. land stewardship
5. reap
6. solar power
7. solar tax credits
8. water quality
9. wind power
10. wind tax credits