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. For information about the meeting, click here. Earlier this week, ABI Environment Committee members held a teleconference to discuss the association’s position related to air quality funding.

The Iowa Legislature approved a new fee model in 2014 that now requires a fee for all new air construction and Title V permits. Although this is additional revenue from industry coming to the department, it is still not enough money to offset the decline in emissions revenue. The inverse relationship has caused a funding conundrum. Without legislative support, the department will have to make significant cuts to the Air Quality Bureau, which could impact service.

ABI supported the increase in fees and new funding mechanism in 2014, but warned the Legislature that the funding mechanism would not be sustainable without general fund support or major operational changes in the department. ABI will continue to update members as this issue evolevs. For more information please contact Nicole Crain, ncrain@iowaabi.org.