Legislative News

Jun 23, 2022

State Drought Plan, NPDES General Permits, Water Use Stakeholder Meeting and More

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources along with the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department are developing a drought plan for the state.

Jun 9, 2022

Air Quality Electronic Document Submittal Requirement Begins January 1

Rules requiring electronic submittal of air permit applications and air emission reporting documents became effective May 11, but electronic submittals will not be required until January 1, 2023. 

Jun 3, 2022

DNR Set to Begin Expansion of Testing Water Supplies for PFAS

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will begin to expand their sampling of water supplies for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) this month.

May 26, 2022

Bottle Bill Passes, Sent to Governor

Another key development that took place this week was the Iowa Senate’s passage of SF 2378, which is the bottle bill. It now awaits Gov. Reynolds’ signature. Lawmakers in the Iowa House passed this bill in mid-April. Current law allows consumers to receive the five-cent deposit they pay on cans and bottles when they recycle them by taking them back to the store or redemption center. 

May 19, 2022

Environmental News: No Fee Increases, New AQ Bureau Chief, Opportunities to Comment and Emissions are Plummeting in Iowa

There are a number of environmental regulatory updates to report. On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau confirmed that there would be no increase in fees for Fiscal Year 2023, which begins on July 1.

May 13, 2022

ARRC Approves Rule on Air Quality Electronic Reporting

On Monday, the Administrative Rules Review Committee held their monthly meeting at the Capitol and they approved filed rule ARC 6271C.

Apr 29, 2022

HF 2128 - Biofuels Legislation Heads to the Governor’s Desk

This week, both chambers of the legislature passed a bill that requires E-15 to be sold at gas stations across the state by the beginning of 2026.

Apr 22, 2022

Sustainable Materials Management Meeting to be Held Next Month

The next stakeholder meeting for the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Initiative will take place in person on May 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in West Des Moines.

Apr 14, 2022

Week 14 Update: Renewable Fuels Bill

HF 2128 requires gas stations to advertise for sale and sell E15 gasoline.

Apr 7, 2022

Opportunity to Submit Agenda Items for Air Quality Meeting

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau is giving stakeholders the opportunity to submit agenda items for the next client contact meeting.

Feb 24, 2022

Changes to DNR Permitting Notification Passes Iowa Senate

Public notice provisions for general permit activities from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would change under SF2311.

Jan 14, 2022

Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Air Quality Electronic Submittal Rule

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau is requesting comment from stakeholders concerning electronic submittals.

Jan 7, 2022

Air Quality Bureau Proposes Fees Remain the Same for FY23

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau held a joint fee advisory group meeting on Wednesday with the purpose of reviewing and discussing the budget proposal and air quality fees for Fiscal Year 2023.

Oct 22, 2021

ABI Provides Testimony on Muscatine Attainment to the Environmental Protection Commission

On Tuesday, ABI Director of Public Policy Brad Hartkopf spoke to the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) regarding attainment for SO2 in Muscatine County.

May 21, 2021

ABI to Host DNR for Meeting on PFAS

The ABI Environment Committee plans to host a virtual meeting with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to discuss PFAS and the agency’s approach to the matter in Iowa.

May 21, 2021

DNR Proposes No Fee Change for Air Construction Permits

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has announced there will be no changes in Air Quality Bureau fees for the 2022 fiscal year.

May 21, 2021

Opportunity to Comment on 2021 Air Monitoring Network Plan

The public is now welcome to review and comment on Iowa’s 2021 Air Monitoring Network Plan as initially proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Mar 18, 2021

Air Quality Bureau Proposes No New Fee Increases at EPC Meeting

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) held its monthly meeting on Tuesday and there a couple of highlights to note.

Feb 11, 2021

Environmental Webinar Takes Place in Two Weeks

ABI members BrownWinick Law Firm and Foley & Lardner LLP will lead an in-depth webinar on federal laws and regulations related to the environment on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 

Feb 4, 2021

DNR Wastewater and Drinking Water Rules Meeting Postponed to Next Wednesday

Due to technical difficulties, yesterday’s previously planned stakeholder meeting is being pushed to Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Jan 28, 2021

DNR Stakeholder Meeting on Water Rules Next Week

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is holding a stakeholder meeting on Zoom to discuss several proposed changes to the Iowa Administrative Code regarding separation distances, wastewater, general permits, sludge, private sewage disposal systems and operator certification.

Jan 7, 2021

Air Quality Bureau Seeking No Fee Increase for FY22

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau held its annual fee advisory group meetings yesterday and announced that it will not increase fees on industry for the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021.

Dec 3, 2020

DNR Unveils Draft of Impaired Waterways in Iowa

On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its latest draft of 303d of impaired waters and is seeking feedback from the public. 

Nov 12, 2020

ABI-Supported Regulatory Clarification Saves Millions; Session Delay Issued on Lease Vehicle Taxation Rule

The ARRC held its monthly meeting this past Tuesday and took two ABI-supported actions that will benefit employers.

Nov 12, 2020

Early-Bird Registration for Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference Ends Today

The annual Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference is set to take place in just a few weeks in Kansas City.

Nov 5, 2020

DNR Air Quality Client Contact Meeting Coming Up Soon

In exactly two weeks, the Department of Natural Resources will host a stakeholder meeting concerning the air quality client contact bureau.

Oct 22, 2020

ABI Participates in Monthly EPC Meeting

Brad Hartkopf, ABI Director of Public Policy, called into the monthly Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meeting Tuesday. 

Oct 15, 2020

Environment Committee to Meet Next Week

There is still time to register for ABI’s next Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m.

Oct 8, 2020

ABI and DNR Host Upcoming Meetings

ABI will host Environmental Services Division Administrator Ed Tormey and Air Quality Construction Permit Supervisor Sarah Piziali on Oct. 20 to discuss improvements in communication processes at the Air Quality Bureau.

Sep 10, 2020

Register for ABI Environment Committee Update with Iowa DNR

The ABI Environment Committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. 

Aug 27, 2020

Request for Feedback on ABI-Sponsored Environmental Seminars

If interested, please complete a short survey to determine what kind of topics you would like to see covered.

Aug 20, 2020

EPC Approves Water Use Permit Fee for FY21

The EPC convened its monthly meeting this past Tuesday and made a decision concerning the annual water use permit fee proposal from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Jul 30, 2020

ABI Participates in DNR Water Use Stakeholder Meeting

ABI Director of Public Policy Brad Hartkopf was one of a number of stakeholders who joined DNR officials for its annual water use meeting last week. 

May 21, 2020

Current Vacancy on Environmental Protection Commission

It was announced at Tuesday’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meeting that Commissioner Tim Kaldenberg had recently resigned from his post, which leaves a vacancy to be filled.

May 7, 2020

ABI Submits Comments to DNR on Air Monitoring Network & Dispersion Modeling

Last week, ABI’s public policy team delivered comments to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau about its proposals on the air monitoring network and dispersion modeling. 

Apr 23, 2020

Submit Topics for Air Quality Client Contact Meeting

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau will host a Client Contact meeting next month.

Apr 23, 2020

Dispersion Modeling Guidance Feedback Due to ABI Tomorrow

If you have comments you would like to submit to ABI on the Air Quality Bureau’s proposal for Dispersion Modeling Guidance, please send them to Brad Hartkopf by close of business tomorrow, Friday, April 24.

Apr 16, 2020

DNR Extends Deadline for Comments on Dispersion Modeling Guidance

Due to COVID-19, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Air Quality Bureau is pushing back the deadline for informal comments on its proposed updates to dispersion modeling guidance to Thursday, April 30.

Apr 2, 2020

“The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater” Training Webinar Coming Soon

The Iowa Storm Water Education Partnership, in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host multiple sessions for industrial stormwater compliance. 

Mar 26, 2020

Air Quality Public Hearing Format Changed

The public hearing that has been scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m. concerning a proposed update to air quality rules has been moved to a teleconference call format. 

Feb 6, 2020

Opportunity to Comment on FY21 Air Quality Bureau Budget

Iowa DNR’s Air Quality Bureau is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders on the Air Quality Bureau Budget for Fiscal Year 2021. 

Jan 23, 2020

Air Quality Fee Review Meetings Next Week

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites stakeholders and the public to review and comment on the draft Air Quality Budget for the coming fiscal year. 

Jan 9, 2020

EPA to Host Webinars on American Iron and Steel Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will conduct two webinars over the next two weeks to discuss the State Revolving Fund (SRF) American Iron and Steel (AIS) Requirements.

Jan 2, 2020

ABI Attends DNR Water Rules Meeting

Brad Hartkopf, ABI director of public policy, attended a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stakeholder meeting on Dec. 19 about proposed changes to drinking water, wastewater, private sewage disposal systems and sludge. 

Dec 12, 2019

DNR Stakeholder Meeting on Wastewater and Drinking Water Rules

The Iowa DNR will hold a stakeholder meeting to discuss a number of proposed changes to the Iowa Administrative Code with regards to drinking water, wastewater, private sewage disposal systems and sludge. 

Dec 5, 2019

Air Quality Fee Advisory Group Meetings Next Month

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has announced it will seek feedback from stakeholders and the public on the draft Air Quality Bureau Budget for the fiscal year 2021 at meetings being held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.

Nov 27, 2019

DNR EASY Air System Available Next Week

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the new online permitting system for air quality permits will be ready to use on Wednesday, Dec. 4. 

Nov 21, 2019

DNR Seeks Comments on Impaired Waterways

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its new draft of impaired waters and is requesting feedback from stakeholders and the public. 

Oct 16, 2019

EASY Air Workshop Next Month

The DNR will host a Strategic Goals Program Workshop entitled “EASY Air, Water Optimization & RCRA Inspections and Waste Determinations” on Nov. 13.

Oct 10, 2019

Upcoming EPA Webinars on Noncompliance for Small Wastewater Treatment Plants

The EPA is presenting a series of technical assistance webinars over the next several weeks to highlight best practices for addressing noncompliance at small wastewater treatment plants. 

Oct 10, 2019

Air Quality Meeting Next Month; Opportunity to Submit Topics

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has announced the next air quality client contact meeting will take place on Nov. 21, 1 p.m., in Des Moines.

Oct 10, 2019

EASY Air Communication Materials Available

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released communication materials that businesses can use to explain the benefits of the new online air permitting system, Easy Air. 

Oct 3, 2019

DNR Explores Sustainable Materials Management Vision

This summer, ABI Director, Public Policy Brad Hartkopf attended a focus group meeting about sustainable materials management. 

Aug 22, 2019

Hartkopf Testifies at Environmental Protection Commission

ABI’s Director, Public Policy Brad Hartkopf recently attended and commented at the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meeting on Tuesday. 

Jul 11, 2019

DNR Publishes New Fact Sheet on Indoor Venting Sources

Earlier this summer, ABI participated in a DNR client contact meeting where the air quality bureau staff provided a draft of a fact sheet on indoor venting sources. 

Jul 2, 2019

DNR Environmental Management Services (EMS) Workshop In Two Weeks

The Department of Natural Resources Pollution Prevention Services division will host a one-day workshop for environmental professionals on Wednesday, July 17 in Ankeny.  

Jun 27, 2019

DNR to Host Air Quality Meeting

The DNR announced an Air Quality Fee Advisory Group meeting will take place on Thursday, August 1 at 10 a.m. in the Wallace State Office Building 2nd Floor North Conference Room.  

Jun 27, 2019

Governor Names New Director of DNR

Gov. Reynolds announced on Wednesday that Kayla Lyon will serve as the new Director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Jun 20, 2019

Environmental Protection Commission Approves Contracts

ABI Public Policy Coordinator Drew Wynes attended the Environmental Protection Commission’s business meeting on June 18, 2019. 

May 23, 2019

ABI Meets with DNR; Environment Committee Meeting Next Week

In addition to ABI’s advocacy work at the State Capitol, the public policy team spends a lot of time working with state agencies. 

May 9, 2019

ABI Environment Committee to Meet on May 30

The ABI Environment Committee will meet on Thursday, May 30 in Des Moines. 

May 9, 2019

DNR Accepting Comment on Proposed Rules and Reports

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent out several notices to stakeholders this week regarding proposed rules and reports.

Apr 25, 2019

DNR Workshop: EPA Regional Priorities, Pretreatment Requirements, and New Pharmaceutical & Aerosol Rules

The DNR invites ABI members to attend the Iowa Strategic Goals Program one-day workshop on May 1, 2019.

Apr 18, 2019

Air Quality Bureau to Hold Stakeholder Meeting

The DNR Air Quality Bureau will hold the next stakeholder meeting on Thursday, May 23, 1 p.m., in Conference Room 2N at the Wallace Building in Des Moines. 

Mar 28, 2019

DNR EASY Air Application Update In Two Weeks

Stakeholders are invited to join the DNR Air Quality Bureau from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, to learn the latest on the new online permitting system EASY Air. 

Mar 21, 2019

Environmental Protection Commission Meets

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) held a teleconference on March 19.

Mar 14, 2019

Agriculture Secretary Naig Speaks to Senate Committee

Sec. Mike Naig spoke to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee on March 12.

Feb 21, 2019

EPC Denies Petition for Rulemaking on Numeric Lake Standards

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) met Feb. 19 to discuss the Iowa Environmental Council’s petition for rulemaking regarding numeric water quality standards for nutrients in public lakes. 

Jan 31, 2019

Regulatory Reform Legislation Advances

SF 25 received a subcommittee hearing Monday afternoon. 

Jan 24, 2019

ABI, Business and Agriculture Organizations Pen Letter to EPC

ABI and several other organizations submitted a letter to members of the Environmental Protection Commission urging their denial of a petition to establish numeric nutrient criteria for lakes.

Jan 24, 2019

Packed Meeting on Iowa’s Bottle Deposit Law

Members of a Senate Natural Resources subcommittee met late Wednesday afternoon to discuss SF 59, which increases the amount paid to redemption centers from one penny to two pennies and gets the cans out of grocery and convenience stores.

Jan 10, 2019

ICYMI: Environment Committee Newsletter

Last week, members of ABI’s Environment Committee received an update on several items of interest from air quality budget meetings to protected water source rules and streamlining air construction permitting requirements.

Dec 27, 2018

DNR to Host Fee Advisory Meeting

The DNR will hold a fee advisory meeting on Jan. 29 to review with stakeholders the air quality budget for the 2020 fiscal year.

Dec 6, 2018

ABI Presents at Legislative Interim Committee

ABI Director, Public Policy Jessica Hyland and ABI member Tyler Marshall (Stanley Consultants) presented to members of a legislative interim committee Wednesday.

Dec 6, 2018

Economic Development Authority Proposes Iowa Energy Center Rules

This week, the Economic Development Authority noticed two rules regarding the Iowa Energy Center.

Nov 1, 2018

ABI Environment Committee Meets

Some members of the environment committee met this week to discuss innovative approaches to air permitting in other states. 

Oct 25, 2018

From the DNR: New Training Workshop Focuses on Bottom Line for Industrial Stormwater

A new training opportunity has been developed to help facility employees understand their permitting requirements, develop pollution prevention plans and implement best management practices with the goal of staying in compliance. 

Oct 18, 2018

DNR to Host Strategic Goals Program with EPA Compliance on E-Manifests

The DNR will host a one-day workshop on Nov. 6 about everything you want to know about E-manifests. 

Oct 4, 2018

DNR Seeks Comment on 2015 Ozone State Implementation Plan

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent an email requesting public comment on Iowa’s state implementation plan (SIP) for the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ozone. 

Sep 6, 2018

Water Use Annual Permit Fee on September 18 EPC Agenda

The Department of Natural Resources will propose setting the Water Use Annual Permit Fee at $134, maintaining the fee at the 2018 level.

Aug 30, 2018

DNR Survey on Hazardous Household Materials

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking feedback regarding Iowans’ attitudes, knowledge and behavior concerning recycling and disposal of hazardous household materials via a survey. 

Aug 16, 2018

Opportunity to Provide Comments on Draft Air Quality Rules

The DNR is giving stakeholders and the public an opportunity to submit comments on a draft rulemaking proposal. 

Jul 19, 2018

EMS Workshop to Be Held on August 1

The DNR will host an Environmental Management Services workshop on August 1 in Johnston. 

Jun 14, 2018

Air Quality News: No Fee Changes and Contracts to be Discussed

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has announced there will be no air quality fee changes for Fiscal Year 2019, which begins on July 1. 

May 31, 2018

ABI Attends Five-year Celebration of Nutrient Reduction Strategy

On Tuesday, ABI participated in an event celebrating the progress made since the beginning of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

May 24, 2018

2018 Air Monitoring Network Plan Available for Public Review and Comment

The annual air monitoring network plan is now available on the bureau's Public Participation page under Public Input.

May 10, 2018

Second ABI-supported Water Quality Bill Passes

A water quality bill containing language ABI pushed for from the beginning of the water quality policy discussion passed the Iowa Senate and was sent to the Governor.

Feb 8, 2018

Utility Omnibus Legislation Moves Forward

A subcommittee hearing on HSB 595 was held Feb. 7 with Rep. Gary Carlson (R-Muscatine) chairing the meeting.

Feb 8, 2018

Water Quality Legislation Introduced

The Iowa House introduced and held a subcommittee meeting on HSB 645, which is the second piece of legislation addressing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. 

Feb 1, 2018

House Environmental Protection Committee Hears about Recycling

The House Environmental Protection committee on Monday heard presentations by the Department of Natural Resources and Metro Waste Authority. The presentations were about the most recent Iowa Waste Characterization Study, an update on the bottle bill recovery rate and recycling in general. 

Feb 1, 2018

Omnibus Energy Legislation Receives Hearing

This week the Iowa Senate and House introduced comprehensive energy legislation.

Jan 25, 2018

Water Quality Legislation Sent to Governor

With the passage of SF 512, a priority of each chamber and the Governor was accomplished.

Jan 11, 2018

DNR Seeks Input for Water Quality Goals

The Department of Natural Resources is inviting Iowans to participate in public forums to provide input and recommendations on how water quality can be improved in the state of Iowa.

Dec 14, 2017

Nutrient Reduction Strategy Progress Report Released

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa State University unveiled an annual report of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy this week.

Nov 9, 2017

ABI’s Hyland Speaks at Fairfield Conference

ABI Director of Public Policy Jessica Hyland speaks today in Fairfield on a panel regarding economic development and water quality.

Nov 2, 2017

Air Construction Permit Fee Modification

Oct 12, 2017

Registration Open November 2 for Environment Committee Meeting

The next ABI Environment Committee meeting is slated for November 2 and registration is open now. 

Sep 21, 2017

Environmental Protection Commission Met this Week

Brad Hartkopf, ABI public policy coordinator, attended a meeting of the Environmental Protection Commission held this week at the Capitol. 

Sep 21, 2017

Opportunity: Small Business Clean Air Act Compliance Panel

According to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources, the State of Iowa is seeking small business owners and other individuals to serve on the Clean Air Act Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP).

Sep 7, 2017

ABI Environment Committee to Host EPA Region VII Acting Administrator in November

ABI’s Environment Committee is one of the largest and most active policy committees. Plan ahead to attend the next ABI Environment Committee meeting on Thursday, November 2, in Des Moines. 

Jul 27, 2017

Air Quality fee stakeholder meetings conclude

ABI participated in a series of air quality stakeholder meetings that concluded Tuesday. The meetings were designed to address the topic of funding shortfalls at the air bureau.

Jul 20, 2017

Air Quality Bureau stakeholder meetings continue

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Quality Bureau has been holding a series of day-long stakeholder meetings to discuss the bureau’s budget deficit, permit fees and efficiencies within the department.

Jul 6, 2017

EMS industry group workshop scheduled for July 19

The Department of Natural Resources will host an EMS industry group workshop on July 19, titled "EMS In Depth: Nonconformity, Corrective & Preventive Actions and Transitioning your ISO EMS to the 2015 Standard."

Jul 6, 2017

Committee Spotlight: Environment

Jun 22, 2017

ABI participates in DNR meetings

Members of the ABI public policy staff participated in several meetings related to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this week.

Jun 1, 2017

ABI to participate in DNR workgroup on proposed fees

Members of ABI’s Environment Committee held a special conference call last week to discuss potential ABI participation in stakeholder meetings proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)  to address the funding of the air quality bureau.

Apr 27, 2017

Learn about EPA compliance at upcoming DNR workshop

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a workshop May 11 about EPA compliance tools and how to avoid common Clean Water Act violations.

Apr 27, 2017

Learn about EPA compliance at upcoming DNR workshop

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting a workshop May 11 about EPA compliance tools and how to avoid common Clean Water Act violations.

Apr 20, 2017

Water quality proposals advance

The House and Senate both advanced legislation this week to implement Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy.

Apr 20, 2017

Join environmental professionals at MECC conference

ABI is once again partnering with the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference (MECC) to bring members a regional event geared toward professional development and updates on the environmental regulatory climate in EPA Region VII.

Mar 30, 2017

Federal Spotlight: President Trump signs executive order addressing Clean Power Plan

Mar 23, 2017

Water quality legislation passes House Ways and Means Committee

Feb 23, 2017

Water quality bills introduced

The Iowa House and Senate have introduced and moved out of subcommittee different versions of a comprehensive water quality plan that addresses water quality funding and Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy.

Jan 19, 2017

Federal spotlight: Supreme Court to take up NAM’s WOTUS case

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case brought forth by the National Association of Manufacturers challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) regulation.

Dec 29, 2016

Air quality fee advisory group meetings moved to Feb. 8

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau is moving the meetings for the Fee Advisory Groups from Jan. 11 to Feb. 8 to allow for more time to gather information on the draft budget.

Nov 17, 2016

ABI to meet with DNR on monitoring network

Members of the ABI Environment Committee will meet with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Nov. 29 to discuss the statewide monitoring network.

Oct 27, 2016

DNR air funding update

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have a meeting this afternoon to discuss the Title V budget of the Air Quality Bureau.

Oct 20, 2016

RSVP for Environment Committee Meeting call on Oct. 26

ABI’s Environment Committee will meet via conference call Oct. 26 from 1-1:30 p.m.

Sep 22, 2016

ABI staff attend environment meetings

The ABI public policy team has been busy attending meetings with the Department of Natural Resources on issues ranging from air quality fees to general NPDES permit 8 and 9 on behalf of ABI members.

Sep 15, 2016

ABI successful in obtaining antidegradation rule clarification

On Tuesday, the Administrative Rules Review Committee (ARRC) gave final approval to an Iowa Department of Natural Resources rule package that includes changes ABI requested to the state’s antidegradation rule and implementation procedure.

Sep 15, 2016

Iowa Supreme Court hears arguments in Water Works case

The Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday on certified questions in the Des Moines Water Works suit of three upstream counties it alleges are responsible for heavy nitrate loading at its drinking water plant.

Sep 8, 2016

ABI involved in upcoming environmental meetings

ABI will participate in several upcoming meetings on environmental issues.

Sep 1, 2016

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber regulatory report highlights burden of unfunded mandates

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently issued a report that examines the ongoing burden of unfunded mandates on states from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Aug 25, 2016

Air quality client contact meeting

The Air Quality Bureau held a client contact meeting on Thursday, Aug. 18 and provided updates on several policy issues including the new fee structure, changes to the modeling form and upcoming rulemakings.

Aug 25, 2016

Provide informal comments on ease of application air permitting rulemaking proposal

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau (DNR) has invited the public to provide informal comments on a draft rulemaking proposal.

Aug 25, 2016

Provide informal comments on ease of application air permitting rulemaking proposal

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Air Quality Bureau (DNR) has invited the public to provide informal comments on a draft rulemaking proposal.

Aug 11, 2016

ABI comments on DNR rulemaking

Jessica Harder, ABI’s Director, Public Policy spoke before the Environmental Protection Commission on Wednesday in support of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed rules on antidegradation.

Jul 14, 2016

ABI testifies at ARRC in support of antidegradation rule

On Tuesday, ABI public policy director Jessica Harder spoke in favor of antidegradation rule changes at the Administrative Rules Review Committee ()ARRC) meeting, to clarify the antidegradation procedure after a court decision made the rule unclear and potentially burdensome and expensive for members.

Jun 30, 2016

Antidegradation rulemaking update

This week, ABI Public Policy Director Jessica Harder testified at a DNR public hearing in support of the antidegradation notice of intended action DNR brought forward in response to ABI’s petition for rulemaking.

Jun 23, 2016

Public hearing on antidegradation

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing at 1 p.m., June 29 to take comments on the proposed rulemaking related to Iowa’s water quality and the antidegradation rule.

May 19, 2016

Title V fees set

On May 17, the Environmental Protection Commission set the Title V fees at $67.50 per ton.

May 19, 2016

ABI antidegradation rulemaking petition advances

On May 17, Myron Linn appeared before the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) to give comments in support of a rulemaking petition and notice of intended action, to clarify the antidegradation rule and implementation procedure.

May 12, 2016

ABI environment committee meeting is May 23

The ABI environment committee will meet May 23 in Cedar Rapids to discuss the latest on environmental issues affecting business and industry, including air quality and water issues.

May 5, 2016

Environmental policy update

ABI has been working on two water issues with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. One issue involves an unfavorable court ruling that puts the State’s current antidegradation policy and process into question.

Apr 28, 2016

Midwest Environmental Conference is two weeks away

The Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference will be held two weeks from today in Kansas City. ABI is a co-sponsor of the event for the third year.

Apr 28, 2016

ABI Environment Committee to meet in May

Members of the ABI Environment Committee will meet on Monday, May 23 at 1 p.m. in Cedar Rapids.

Apr 14, 2016

Iowa House passes water quality bill

Apr 14, 2016

Senate to consider water quality proposal

Apr 7, 2016

Water quality bill advances

Mar 31, 2016

Water quality discussions continue

The Iowa Legislature continues to have conversations about water quality funding for Iowa to address the goals set out by the Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

Mar 3, 2016

MECC conference is May 11-13

Registration is now open for the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference (MECC) May 11-13 in Overland Park, Kansas.

Feb 18, 2016

Governor’s water quality initiative moves forward

Gov. Terry Branstad’s priority bill on water quality and school funding moved out of the House Agriculture Committee Wednesday with an amendment.

Feb 11, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court issues stay on Clean Power Plan

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday prevented implementation and enforcement of the Clean Power Plan while legal challenges around the country are still being considered.

Jan 7, 2016

ABI Environment Committee meets Jan. 14

The first meeting of 2016 will be held at John Deere Financial in Johnston, on Thur. Jan. 14 at 10:00 a.m.

Jan 7, 2016

Gov. Branstad announces water quality funding plan

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack joined Gov. Terry Branstad for a bipartisan press conference focused on increasing funding for water quality improvements in Iowa.

Dec 17, 2015

EPC approves new Title V rules, fee schedule

On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) approved new Title V rules and a fee schedule.

Dec 17, 2015

ABI supports pipeline at DNR meeting

ABI provided support for the Dakota Access Bakken pipeline project during a DNR public meeting Wednesday night regarding a permit application for the pipeline to cross state land.

Nov 5, 2015

Air quality fee rule to go before legislative committee

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Administrative Rules Review Committee - a joint committee of the Iowa House and Senate - will hear comments from interested parties related to air quality rules proposed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Nov 5, 2015

DNR to hold public hearings on air quality fees

In addition to the hearing before the Administrative Rules Review Committee, the DNR will hold three public hearings in November related to air quality fees.

Oct 8, 2015

DNR’s air quality fee rule moves forward

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) had a special telephone meeting this morning to move forward with the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) proposed rule on air quality fees.

Jan 22, 2015

Environmental Protection Commission met Wednesday

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) met Wednesday to discuss several agenda items and listen to public input on various environmental issues.