The June, 2025, newsletter from the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club is now available. In this issue, you will find:
Legislative Update
Legislative Update - In our last newsletter, we noted that we were waiting for the governor to sign or veto several pieces of legislation that we had lobbied on. The governor signed the bill that provides expedited processes to protect those who are sued while using their First Amendment Rights to speak in public. The governor signed a bill that extends REAP to June 30, 2028, which provides funding to protect Iowa’s natural areas, soil conservation, water quality and historical resources. Also signed was a bill that requires the disclosure of lead service lines when real estate is transferred.
Governor Reynolds Vetoes Carbon Pipeline Bill, HF639 - After four years of unbelievable legislative work and pressure to put a bill addressing the carbon pipeline issue on Governor Reynolds’ desk, she vetoed the bill. Her decision has created uproar in the Statehouse and has united and strengthened our coalition of Iowans opposed to Summit’s carbon pipeline proposal.
Have Fun
Join us for a fish outing in Stuart, Iowa, July 12 - Ready for an easy‑going outdoor adventure the whole family will love? Join Sierra Club volunteers for a fun‑filled afternoon of nature activities! RSVP today
Hitchcock Nature Center Outing, Honey Creek, Iowa - Join us on Saturday, September 20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a special outing at Hitchcock Nature Center, one of Iowa’s most scenic and biologically rich areas. Mid-September marks the height of hawk migration, and we’ll be hitting the trails with naturalists and HawkWatch biologists to learn all about these incredible birds. Sign up today
Protecting the Environment
Update on Revised Science Standards - Early this year, the Iowa Department of Education became embroiled in controversy over proposed changes to the school curriculum for science which is taught from kindergarten through high school. Mysteriously someone at the Iowa Department of Education removed references to climate change, the age of the earth, and evolution from the standards in the version that was published and presented for public comment. The Department of Education emerged with finalized standards in May. Although the final science standards were slightly revised from the draft, the approved standards do not mention that humans have impacted climate change but do mention that the earth has experienced natural warming and cooling over time. Some of the wording related to evolution was restored. The age of the earth was not restored to the standards. The whole point of science education is to ensure that graduating students are prepared for college or for entering the workplace, including current information about science. These standards fall short.
Update on Summit's Phase 2 Carbon Dioxide Pipeline - After months of attempts to pressure landowners into signing voluntary easement agreements with Iowa landowners along its Phase 2 route, Summit’s latest filings show widespread opposition.
Linn & Woodbury Counties Consider Zoning Changes for Nuclear Power Plants & Nuclear Waste Storage - Linn County and Woodbury County are considering changes to their zoning ordinances to regulate nuclear facilities. Sierra Club will participate in these proceedings to ensure that the people and the land in those counties are protected.
Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon
Plus
Intern Julia Hallauer - Julia Hallauer will be spending the summer working as an intern with Wally Taylor on the various legal issues the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club is involved in. Julia just completed her first year of law school at the University of Iowa.
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