Newsroom - 2023

DNR backtracks on CAFO rules

posted 12/12/2023
After months of work with stakeholder groups, DNR backtracked on positive changes in a November 15 update to draft rules for animal feeding operations (AFOs). The Environmental Protection Commission approved moving ahead with the weaker rules on November 21. Staff Attorney Mike Schmidt walks through the timeline and what's next.

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New report reveals true costs of CAFOs in Iowa

posted 11/14/2023
Iowans are shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to treat their drinking water and pay for treatment of life-threatening health care issues caused by nitrate pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the state, according to a new report published by IEC.

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EPA Announces Over $2.5M for Environmental Justice Projects in Communities Across Iowa

posted 10/24/2023
Selections announced as part of largest investments through EPA's Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government grant programs funded by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act

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MidAmerican Energy announces 100% clean energy; still runs six coal plants

posted 10/19/2023
MidAmerican Energy recently released a news statement claiming to have served Iowans with 100% renewable energy in 2022. The news release did not mention the six coal plants that MidAmerican Energy owns and operates in Iowa. IEC and Clean Up MidAm partners shed light on the reality of MidAm's clean energy generation.

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A record-breaking wrap: 2023 beach monitoring statistics

posted 9/8/2023
Last week was the final week of summer beach monitoring, unofficially ending the summer recreational season. IEC looks back at what was a record-breaking year of Iowa beach advisories.

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State Review Committee recommends changes to environmental boards and commissions

posted 9/1/2023
On Tuesday, the Governor's Boards and Commissions Review Committee met to review recommendations for changes, consolidation, or elimination of numerous state boards or commissions. IEC reviewed the full list for impacts to environmental oversight in Iowa.

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IUB to study utility ratemaking process, make recommendations

posted 8/30/2023
This week, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) kicked off the first of three public input and discussion sessions to review state laws related to how utilities set their rates. These sessions will wrap up in early November and will result in a set of legislative recommendations to be considered in the 2024 legislative session.

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IEC comments in DNR hearing on new Supreme Beef NMP

posted 8/10/2023
This week the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) took comments and held a public hearing on Supreme Beef's latest attempt at a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). IEC outlines what the NMP is getting wrong.

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IEC releases new infographics outlining need for Numeric Nutrient Criteria

posted 7/28/2023
Nutrient pollution from fertilizer (excess nitrogen and phosphorus) is the state's most severe water quality problem. The Clean Water Act requires states to set water quality standards limiting the these types of pollutants and offers two approaches: narrative and numeric. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently uses relies on narrative criteria for fertilizer pollution control. IEC shares new infographics that illustrate why this is harming our waters.

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IEC testifies in Soo Green transmission line hearing

posted 7/26/2023
The Iowa Utilities Board heard testimony on July 11 about the proposed Soo Green transmission line, which would run underground from near Mason City to Illinois. IEC's testimony showed the line offers significant potential benefits for Iowans and could expand renewable energy development in the state.

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