Welcome to the Iowa Chapter blog!
Blogger - Pam Mackey Taylor
Iowa's Coal Truth
February 10, 2020
Depending on where you live in Iowa, it’s easy to be unaware of how much coal is burned in our state. Appearances can be deceiving. The truth is, behind all the windmills, coal remains the largest energy source in Iowa.
Agriculture Climate Adaptation Plan
January 20, 2019
Iowa’s farming systems will need to change in order to effectively adapt to the climate changes that are already occurring and that are predicted to occur in the near future. A number of states already have created plans to adapt to climate change...
An idea to protect Iowa's environment
January 20, 2019
In the search for economic development opportunities and the race to increase the tax base, environmental concerns are often tossed to the side or considered as an afterthought. Iowa does not have an environmental policy act that requires...
It is time for a major overhaul of CAFO regulations
January 20, 2019
The legislature has the power to regulate the CAFO industry and to protect Iowa’s air quality, water quality, and the neighbors. It is time for the legislature to step up to the plate and begin a major overhaul of the CAFO regulations.
Creating a water trustee to ensure Iowa’s waters are fishable and swimmable
January 20, 2019
The state of Iowa has an interest in maintaining, protecting, and preserving the waters of the state for today and for future generations. The government must protect and maintain the waters of the state for the public’s use. That is why is makes...
Protect the Commons Act
January 20, 2019
The things that we share – the commons – have been ignored, have been degraded, and have been given away to private companies and individuals. It is now time to restore those things that we all share. That is where the Act to Protect the Commons...
A budget that prioritizes supporting the commons – those things we all share
January 20, 2019
The values and priorities of the legislature and governor are reflected in the state budget. Iowa has utterly failed in fulfilling its fiduciary duty to care for the common assets of the state. Revenue must be raised to match the need instead of...
Creating a State Bank
January 20, 2019
Iowa’s constitution provides the authority for the State of Iowa to establish a state bank. But the state of Iowa has never done so. Creating a state bank would provide financial mechanisms for ensuring that Iowa’s money could be leveraged for...
The Reason CAFOs Need to Hold a Surety Bond
January 19, 2019
When concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) discharge manure into a water body or onto land, an expensive clean-up process is sometimes involved. Sometimes the CAFO owner and operator is struggling financially, is not solvent, or has...
A Means to Fund the Leopold Center
January 19, 2019
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture has been the premier organization in Iowa involved with researching sustainable agriculture. Research on agricultural methods that will protect and preserve Iowa’s soils will allow agriculture to...