|  | | IEC Puts New Strategic Plan Into Action | IEC spent the latter part of 2021 and early 2022 workshopping and developing an updated strategic plan to guide our organization's work for the next 3 to 5 years and beyond. While many of the issues we sought to address at our founding 25 years ago remain, some have taken on new urgency, like climate change, and some, such as environmental justice, are emerging areas of focus for IEC. After months of preparation and planning, we're working to mold our work in this new plan. You can review the plan online, where our website language has been updated to reflect the changes. "We're excited to be putting our plan into action," said Executive Director Brian Campbell. "After months of input and effort by IEC staff, board leaders, partners, and other supporters, we are ready to embark on the next phase of environmental change in Iowa. We believe Iowa can be a leader in mitigating the effects of climate change and achieve our goal of being a 100% clean energy state. That work is guided by a commitment to environmental justice, since we know the consequences of climate change and pollution are not experienced equally by all Iowans." As with all strategic plans, the news strategic plan is a living document reflecting IEC's vision and goals, providing guidance along with flexibility for our future work. We invite you to view the plan to learn more and join us on our journey into Iowa's healthy, sustainable future. | | |
| |  | Proposed rail merger may bring significant environmental impacts to Iowa A proposed merger between Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) is currently before the Surface Transportation Board (STB). If approved, the CP mainline between Sabula, Iowa, and Kansas City, Missouri, would see rail traffic increase by more than 14 trains a day transporting Canadian oil. Iowans have spoken out against the merger at public meetings and through written comments. Learn more about the proposed merger and how you can submit your comments by the deadline of October 14. |
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 | IEC and partners seek to strengthen CAFO rules in Iowa; DNR now taking comments on new draft rules IEC has petitioned for revisions to animal feeding operation (AFO) rules in the last year, but the requests were denied or remain in process in part because DNR promised to initiate a more comprehensive rulemaking in 2022. DNR released proposed updates to the state’s AFO rules in August. The changes consolidate different sections, rearrange pieces, and make some tweaks. Unfortunately, Iowa’s dismal water quality needs more than tweaks. Learn more about the draft changes and take action. |
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 | Reliability webinar draws industry and municipal leaders; webinar and resources now available Last month, IEC and partners hosted John Norris, Former Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and former Iowa Utilities Board chairman, and transmission and energy industry expert Michael Goggin for a discussion about how wind and solar energy have been successfully integrated into Iowa’s electric grid, and how more clean energy can be integrated for a secure and reliable grid of the future. The webinar recording is now available to watch on demand, as well as a detailed fact sheet prepared by Michael Goggin. |
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| |  | Upcoming Environmental Events |
| 10/8 - Iowa River Clean Up, Johnson County
10/8 - Save Our Streams training, Bellevue
10/8 - Canoe Clean up on Easter Lake, Des Moines
10/9 - Save Our Streams training, Maquoketa
10/11 - Solar Energy in Iowa: Policies and Practices, Iowa City
10/12 - Advancing Environmental Justice through the Inflation Reduction Act, Online
10/13 - 10/14 - Iowa Ideas Virtual Conference
10/13 - Get Charged Up! EV Event, Calmar
10/15 - Walk For the Wild, Prairie City
10/15 - Save Our Streams training, McGregor
10/15 - Annual Symposium: Wild Landscapes, Des Moines
10/18 - Clean Water Act 50th Anniversary Party, Davenport
10/19 - Climate Conversations, Nevada
10/22 - Johnson Center Forum: Agriculture & Climate Sustainability, Des Moines
10/25 - IEC Annual Membership Meeting, Des Moines and Virtual
10/29 - Save Our Streams training, Clive
11/2 - 11/3 - Fall 2022 Equity Summit, Online
11/9 - SILTFest Des Moines
11/10 - IEC's Green Gala & Art Auction, Des Moines
11/20 - Iowa Organic Conference, Iowa City |
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| Organizational Member News |
|  | The real meaning of WOTUS This week, the Supreme Court is revisiting the question of which wetlands and streams are subject to the jurisdiction of federal agencies – yet another chapter in the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) controversy. The importance of this legal back and forth for agriculture and water quality has been greatly exaggerated. In practice, the definitions haven’t changed much. Learn more in this blog post from Prairie Rivers of Iowa. |
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 | ELPC Thinks: 2023 outlook on
EVs for the Midwest Significant federal and state legislation and market forces are creating tremendous opportunities for funding, manufacturing, and purchasing electric vehicles of all kinds. In this discussion, recorded September 29, ELPC staff offered snapshots of some of the trends behind what’s expected to result in dramatic increases of EVs of all kinds rolling onto our roads and highways next year and beyond. Watch now. |
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 | Johnson Co. acquires 83 acres
near Solon for public use Johnson County has acquired 83 acres land, which includes 64 acres of forest, 15.5 acres of reconstructed prairie and a 3.5-acre farmstead for public use. A unique part of the land transaction is that seven acres of prairie have been donated to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. Learn more about plans for the property. Photo courtesy of the Gazette. |
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