Iowa IPL is monitoring legislation relating to the environment and climate action, creating resilient communities, and strengthening sustainable living. Click here to check out what bills we have declared on or are tracking.
HJR 10 – For
A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of the people to a clean environment.
This bill proposes that every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, a stable climate, ecologically healthy habits, and the preservation of the natural and human health qualities of the environment. As trustee of public natural resources such as soils, water, air, flora, fauna, climate, and public lands, the state shall conserve, maintain, and restore these resources for the health and benefit of all the people. Iowa IPL supports proactive legislation that aims to protect and uplift both present and future generations.
HF 605 (Formerly known as HSB 216)
An Act relating to energy benchmarking requirements for private properties.
This bill would forbid energy benchmarking of private property, requiring the use of less energy. Energy benchmarking means requiring a decrease in the average energy use of a property or requiring the average energy use of a property to be less than the average energy use of a similarly situated property. Energy benchmarking helps to provide reliable, unbiased information on energy consumption.
Status: Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
SF 514/HF 662 (Formerly known as SSB 1123/HSB 126) – Against
An Act relating to the organization, structure , and functions of state government, providing for salaries of appointed state officers, providing for penalties, making appropriations, providing Code editor directives and transition provisions, and including applicability and effective date provisions.
The OCA has worked tirelessly before the Iowa Utilities Board in representing Iowa consumers and the public interest with the goal of maintaining safe, reliable, reasonabl/y-priced, and nondiscriminatory utility services for all consumers. Their independence from political influence is an essential part of their structure-Iowa ratepayers deserve and need an independent source fighting for their interests. Iowa IPL believes that the OCA is operating effectively as it currently exists, and the changes in legislation would only weaken the ability of the OCA to protect consumers.
Status: Signed by Governor.
An Act relating to commercially owned solar panel field installation on agricultural land.
This bill would effectively limit solar development & utility projects on agricultural land in rural Iowa. Agricultural land would need to be at least 150 feet away from the nearest adjacent landowner, and 1,200 feet from the nearest residence or livestock facility. Iowa IPL supports a just transition from fossil fuels to clean energy resources, and sees the importance of providing solar energy development opportunities on rural agricultural lands.
Status: Due to the funnel, this bill is no longer viable.
SF 198/HF 248 (Formerly known as SSB 1043, and HSB 73) – Against
An Act relating to electric power generating facility emission plans and projects, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
This bill proposes removing a reporting requirement for public utilities that own electric generation facilities fueled by coal. This would allow utilities to have sole discretion for updating information and budget plans, instead of biannual reporting. Reduced reporting requirements and oversight by the Iowa Utilities Board would make it harder to control consumer costs, as the utilities operate as monopolies in Iowa. Iowa IPL supports regulation that will protect consumers from excessive energy costs, helping to establish and maintain a fair and just economy for all Iowans.
Status: Bill has been passed in the House and Senate, and sent to the Governor.
SSB 1059 – For
An Act relating to plan, update, and budget review of rate-regulated electric utilities, and including effective date provisions.
Addressing the same section and process as SF 198, this bill would instead require all public utilities that own electric generating facilities to be included in the process by making it mandatory that the utility report biannual resource plans, projected resources used to meet demands, what energy sources are used, lower-cost strategies, and alternate planning scenarios. Iowa IPL supports regulation that will protect consumers from excessive energy costs, helping to establish and maintain a fair and just economy for all Iowans. Should SF 198 pass, this bill would become obsolete.
Status: Due to the funnel, this bill is no longer viable.
HF 49 – Support
An Act providing for the establishment of an environmental justice strategy and plan for Iowa, and making appropriations.
Iowa IPL understands the intersectionality aspect of climate justice, and supports establishing resilient & sustainable communities that support shared values and respect for all people and the environment. An environmental justice strategy and plan is necessary to provide a healthy living environment for all, while ensuring equal access throughout the decision making process.
HF 282 (Formerly known as HF 69) – Tracking
An act relating to the management of soil and water resources, by providing for certain practices and projects, including projects described in the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy.
This bill would allow soil and water conservation districts to prioritize and promote projects that improve soil health, and water quality protection. This would also allow soil and water conservation districts to partner with financing entities to help participate in funding these projects. Soil health and water quality protection both play a vital role in our environment. Iowa IPL understands the value in supporting all fundamental living systems, as they are intersectional.
Status: Passed in the House, and has been assigned to a subcommittee in the Senate.