EPC Denies Petition for Rulemaking on Numeric Lake Standards
February 21, 2019
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. The argument in favor of the rule claimed the state must protect Iowa lakes, jobs and personal experiences associated with enjoying the lakes. Prior to the meeting, ABI had submitted comments with several other organization opposing the petition. Although ABI did not comment at the meeting, a representative from the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities spoke and mentioned that existing law restricts the EPC from advancing the petition as state law prohibits the EPC to impose a stricter law than the EPA.
Jon Tack, the Department of Natural Resources water quality bureau chief, stated the DNR recommended denial of the petition because the unattainable standards and the massive economic impact that would be imposed on rural Iowa. The motion was overwhelmingly denied. Read more in this Des Moines Register article. For questions about other agenda items at the EPC meeting, contact Drew Wynes, ABI’s public policy coordinator.