Across Iowa, water is a sacred gift that sustains our communities, nourishes our land, and connects all living things. Yet our rivers, groundwater, and drinking water remain at risk from toxic coal ash pollution produced by coal-fired power plants.
Coal ash contains dangerous toxins such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium. Even low levels of exposure to these pollutants can cause serious health concerns, including cancer and developmental harm. When wastewater containing coal ash is discharged into our waterways, it threatens the health of nearby and downstream communities—especially those already facing environmental and economic burdens.
Protecting clean water is both a public health necessity and a moral responsibility. As people grounded in diverse faith and spirituality, we are called to care for our shared planet and to protect our neighbors. Clean, safe water is essential for healthy families, thriving communities, and a just and sustainable future.
House File 2237 would help protect Iowa’s waters by prohibiting coal plant operators and coal ash landfills from discharging toxic pollutants into our waterways by December 31, 2029. Proven treatment technologies already exist that can prevent this pollution, making this a practical and achievable step toward cleaner water across our state.
Iowa’s waters sustain our communities, agriculture, recreation, and local economies. Safe and abundant water is foundational to human dignity, environmental stewardship, and the vitality of congregations and neighborhoods throughout Iowa.
Faith voices matter in shaping a healthy, just, and sustainable future. Contact your Representative today and urge them to support House File 2237 to protect Iowa’s water and communities from coal pollution. When congregations and people of faith raise their voices together, we help shape policies that reflect our shared values of justice, care for our planet, and protection of human health.