September News

Protecting Iowa's Environment

• Learn about Iowa's Gray Fox - For the past 25 years, the gray fox population in Iowa and throughout the Midwest has been in a steep decline. Despite this, there has been very little scientific research conducted on the species in this region until recently. Biologist Vince Evelsizer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been leading efforts to better understand these elusive creatures.  

• Birddogging - One of the hot-button issues this election cycle revolves around data centers, the electricity and water resources they require, and the impacts on local communities.  Elected officials and candidates hear from countless people every day. When constituents consistently show up, ask questions, and make their concerns known, it sends a powerful message: these issues matter to voters! One effective way to engage candidates is through birddogging, attending public events where candidates are speaking and asking thoughtful, direct questions about the issues that matter to our communities.  We have some tools to help you.

• Nuclear Energy Task Force Underplays Risks - In January, Governor Reynolds issued an executive order creating a Nuclear Energy Task Force to study the expansion of nuclear power in Iowa.  From the very beginning, it was obvious that the task force would enthusiastically support nuclear power.  This is much more than hitting the jackpot of economic development projects that benefit a few Iowans.  If we are not careful, the state could be digging a hole that will be hard to get out of – nuclear waste spread across the state, taxpayer subsidies with limited benefits for everyday Iowans, putting the most expensive power on the grid and forcing ratepayer bills to climb to unaffordable heights, and backtracking on renewable energy.  We can do much better than investing in the nuclear industry. 

• Sierra Club Successful in Pattison Sand Water Withdrawal Permit - The Department of Natural Resources recently issued a new permit for Pattison Sand to withdraw water from the Jordan Aquifer.  The DNR put the clamps on the Pattison Sand water withdrawal permit request - making significant cuts in the water Pattison will be allowed to withdraw (as opposed to what they asked for, 2.27 billion gallons annually as opposed to 3.7 billion gallons), a 5 year permit instead of 10, a required meter to measure how much is withdrawn, a required monitoring well to measure the level of water in the aquifer with a monthly report.  Sierra Club pushed hard on this and it was a big win.  Even so, we will continue to monitor the withdrawal to ensure that Pattison complies with their permit and that neighboring wells are not impacted. 

• IPL Gas Plant in Linn County - This new reliance on fossil fuels is a retreat from Iowa’s leadership in renewable energy. Natural gas is not renewable and is a source of numerous air pollutants: NOX, CO, SOX, VOC, PM, PM10, PM2.5, CO2e, and lead. IPL claims these gas plants are necessary to provide power to address increased demand for electricity. But IPL has not shown why renewable energy (wind and solar) supported by battery storage cannot satisfy this alleged demand. Nor has IPL said where this alleged increased demand is coming from, although we are sure it is related to the influx of data centers.  The evidentiary hearing before the Iowa Utilities Commission on the Morgan Valley Energy Center will begin on December 7, 2026, in Cedar Rapids.

• Outdoor Experiences - Lace up your hiking boots and join us on Saturday, October 17th at 1:00 for a guided hike through Stephens State Forest. Led by an officer working for the Department of Natural Resources, this hike is a great opportunity to experience the forest's scenic beauty while learning about its ecology and wildlife.

• Tune into our Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon