Iowa legislature

• From Grassroots to the Capitol: Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter Lobby Day, Feb. 11 with a training session on Feb. 4

• Eminent Domain Legislation

• Pipeline Events at the Capitol

• Bill Protecting Black Bears

• Funding for Water Sensors

• Update on Bottle Deposit Law

Protecting Iowa's Environment

• Endangered and Threatened Species List Under Review

• Sioux City Wastewater Test Tampering Results in $300,000 Fine

• Greenhouse gases

Learn about Our Environment

• Book Discussion - Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy, March 25

• Annual Meeting Sept. 26, 2026, Newton Arboretum, Newton, Iowa - Save the date

• Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon

Plus

• New Resources for Planning for the Future - See our new flyers on the basics of planned giving, Donor Advised Funds, Giving through an IRA and how to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution, and how an individual can designate support specifically to the Iowa Chapter.

• Contribute to the Iowa Chapter

• Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter

• Calendar of events

• To see the archive of previous Iowa Chapter newsletters

From Grassroots to the Capitol: Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter Lobby Day

Want to make your voice heard where decisions are made?  Sierra Club Iowa Lobby Day is happening soon — and we want you with us at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines on February 11, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Register for lobby day on Feb. 11.

Lobby Day is our biggest opportunity of the session to meet directly with lawmakers, share our priorities, and remind elected officials who they work for. Whether you’ve lobbied before or this is your first time, we’ll provide training, materials, and support so you feel prepared and confident.  So, we will have a webinar briefing session on February 4 at 7pm.  Register for the lobby day on Feb. 11 and training session on Feb. 4.

Our opponents flood the Capitol with paid lobbyists, and to counteract that, we need YOU! As a constituent, you are a powerful voice. Being part of lobby day will help to remind them that people from their district are paying attention. You do not need to be an issue expert or have lobbying experience to have a successful day--bring your passion and a sense of curiosity, and we will provide the rest. 

If you are anxious and or want to be better prepared for lobby day, we will host a 1-hour briefing on February 4th @ 7 PM that covers best practices for lobbying and the substance of the issues we will be advocating on. If you are not able to make that prep session, a recording will be available, or we can help you at the Capitol on lobby day. 

Make your voice heard! Join us in the Capitol and ensure that your legislators are hearing that protecting the environment is important.

See you at the Capitol on February 11.

Photo below is the Iowa Capitol dome by Pam Mackey Taylor

Eminent Domain Legislation

The legislature is considering a bill that would prohibit the use of eminent domain for acquiring right-of-way for the construction or operation of a carbon oxide pipeline.

This bill - HF2104, previously HSB507, has already passed a House subcommittee and the House Judiciary Committee.  It is ready to be debated by the Iowa House.

Ask your Iowa House member to support HF2014, banning eminent domain on carbon oxide pipelines.  

To find your state representative's email address, Iowa Legislature - Representatives

To locate your state representative, see www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find   

Pipeline Events at the Capitol

Over the last four years, we’ve made tremendous progress at the State Capitol to lift up carbon pipeline issues and push for legislation that protects Iowa and Iowans’ property rights.  Last year, our legislation (HF639) passed out of the House with 85% and out of the Senate with 54% -- and then Governor Reynolds went against Iowans and the legislature and vetoed the bill.  

We are not going away, we need to show up in force this session and make sure our legislation passes.  We’ve been meeting with legislators for the last three months to gather information about Summit’s plans and be ready with our plans.  

Summit is trying to convince legislators that we need their carbon pipeline to save ethanol and create jobs.  We know that neither of those things are true.  The risks to our water, land, safety, and property rights far outweigh any supposed benefits to ethanol and jobs.

Join us at the capitol in 2026 to lobby, learn and make an impact.  Mark your calendar for these dates and we’ll send more details soon:

Wednesday, January 21 @ 9am - IUC Monthly Meeting and Lobby Day

Wednesday, January 28 @ 1pm - Lobby Day

Tuesday, February 10 @ 12pm - Lobby and Rally Day

Wednesday, February 18 @ 9am - IUC Monthly Meeting and Lobby Day

Tuesday, March 10 @ 12pm - Lobby and Rally Day

Wednesday, March 18 @ 9am - IUC Monthly Meeting and Lobby Day

Photo of pipeline rally at the capitol

Bill Protecting Black Bears

Funding for Water Sensors

Iowans want to see improvements in Iowa's water quality - fewer beaches contaminated with E coli and microcystin toxins, fewer waters impaired with pollutants, and fewer incidents of large releases of manure and other pollutants into our water bodies.  Unfortunately, without an infusion of $600,000 to support the water sensor network, 60 sensors that measure nitrate and nitrite pollution in Iowa's waterbodies will go silent.  In 2023, Iowa's legislature withdrew financial support for the sensor network and interim funding support is ending in 2026.  Ask your legislators to support funding Iowa's water sensor network.  

• To look up your House member, see www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house   

• To look up your Senate member, see www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/senate    

• To find your legislators, see www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find

New Resources for Planning for the Future

The Iowa Chapter has three new resources to assist you in planning for the future - one pagers about giving via Donor Advised Funds, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, and planned gifts. 

The flyer Donor Advised Funds (aka DAF) covers basics of Donor Advised Funds and how an individual can designate support specifically to the Iowa Chapter. 

The flyer Giving through an IRA covers how to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (aka QCD) and how it can be directed to the Iowa Chapter. 

The flyer Plan Today Protect Tomorrow covers the basics of planned giving, including bequest language to make a gift to the Iowa Chapter. 

If you need assistance, contact Julia Curtis at 800-932-4270, giftplanning@sierraclub.org .

Endangered and Threatened Species List Under Review

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting public comments on proposed updates to rules governing endangered and threatened species.  

This update of the rules is dictated by Governor Reynolds’ Executive Order 10, which requires all state agencies to rescind all of their rules and propose new ones. The new rules, according to Executive Order 10, are to have fewer numbers of rules, fewer words, and provide less protection.

While much of the proposed rules on protected species maintain existing protections, one significant concern stands out: the proposed removal of the list of Species of Special Concern. The list of Species of Special Concern plays a critical role in conservation by identifying vulnerable species before they become threatened or endangered. Removing that list weakens Iowa’s ability to act proactively to protect wildlife when conservation efforts are often most effective.

Make no mistake. There is no scientific or regulatory basis for removing the list of Species of Special Concern. This is simply to satisfy the dictate of Executive Order 10 to reduce the number of words in the rule. The DNR says the list will still be on the DNR’s website. But that does not have the legal status of the list being in the rule.

Written comments will be accepted plus you can also attend a virtual public hearing.  You can express support for wildlife conservation while also urging the DNR to retain or restore the Species of Special Concern list. Personal messages are encouraged. Share why protecting Iowa’s biodiversity matters to you.

You Can Help By Sending a Comment

Public input truly matters in rulemaking, and even a brief, respectful comment can make a difference.  The deadline for written comments is February 4th at 4:30 p.m. Submit comments via email to: kelly.poole@dnr.iowa.gov.

You Can Help By Attending a Public Hearing (Virtual)

The DNR will hold two public hearings where members of the public may share comments verbally.  To receive the video conferencing link, please reach out to Kelly Poole at kelly.poole@dnr.iowa.gov  The hearings will be:

• January 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• February 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to stand up for Iowa’s plants, animals, and ecosystems. Together, our voices help shape stronger, more forward-thinking conservation policy.

Photo below: Western fox snake by Pam Mackey Taylor

Book Discussion - Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy

Join us for an engaging community book discussion of Nature’s Best Hope by renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy.  In this hopeful and empowering book, Tallamy explores how everyday actions, especially the way we manage our yards, parks, and shared spaces, can play a critical role in reversing biodiversity loss.

This discussion will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM  (Central).  RSVP here and we will send you the link.

We encourage participants to check out the book from their local library. Our discussion will focus on the 2019 edition of Nature’s Best Hope.  A 2023 version is also available and is especially well-suited for children and younger readers.

Together, we’ll discuss key themes from the book, share ideas for creating habitat at home and in our communities, and talk about practical steps we can take to support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.  Whether you’ve read the entire book, just started, or are simply curious about how people can be part of the conservation solution, all are welcome.

Come ready for thoughtful conversation, connection, and inspiration. RSVP here

Photo of blue heron by Tom Reardon

Sioux City Wastewater Test Tampering Results in $300,000 Fine

The City of Sioux City is paying a fine as a result of staff at the wastewater treatment facility falsifying tests of treated water before the polluted water was discharged into the Missouri River.  The settlement involves paying a $300,000 fine to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The city is also required to complete a number of upgrades of its wastewater treatment system:

1. Wastewater Treatment Plan UV disinfection project by the end of 2025

2. a Wastewater Treatment Plant Digestion and High Strength Waste Project by the end of 2027

3. the Bacon Creek Trunk Sewer channel repair by the end of 2030

4. Phase 1 overhaul of the treatment plant by the end of 2030

5. Phase 2 overhaul of the treatment plant by the end of 2036.

The DNR filed a lawsuit against the city in 2022 after they learned that the tests had been manipulated between March, 2012, and June, 2015. 

The employees at the sewage treatment plant were sufficiently treating the wastewater for E. coli only on the days when the staff sampled the treated wastewater; those tests were state-mandated.  The other days, staff inadequately treated the wastewater and discharged the pollution into the river.  E. coli can sicken humans and animals.  This was a violation of water quality rules.    

According to reporting by Jared Strong in Iowa Capital Dispatch, the plant was using 2.5 gallons of liquid chlorine an hour to disinfect the wastewater.  On days of state-mandated tests, the employees raised the amount to between 70 and 120 gallons an hour and then lowered the amount in order to pass the state-mandated tests.  The test results were then submitted to the DNR.

At the same time of the fraudulent testing, the treatment facility was asking the DNR to approve increases in the capacity of the facility.  The city was attempting to attract more businesses to the community that would use the sewage treatment plant, without increasing the capacity of the facility.

Two former employees were criminally charged in federal court for conspiracy and falsifying or providing inaccurate information.  Jay Niday, formerly employed as the treatment plant superintendent, spent three months in prison and was fined $6,000. Patrick Schwarte, formerly a supervisor at the facility, was fined $5,000 and placed on two years of probation. Both employees were fired from their positions when their fraudulent activity became public.

Sources

Connor Trett, “Sioux City city council agrees to pay $300,000 settlement with Iowa Department of Natural Resources”, KTIV.com, December 15, 2025

Jared Strong, “State sues Sioux City for Missouri River pollution from wastewater plant”, Iowa Capital Dispatch, January 7, 2022

Associated Press, “Iowa sues Sioux City over wastewater test tampering, pollution of Missouri River”, Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 8, 2022

Greenhouse gases

In December, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued a report of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa.  The sectors and their emissions are:

• 31% - Agriculture

• 25% - Residential, Commercial, Industrial Fossil Fuel Use

• 16% - Power Plants

• 19% - Transportation

• 6% - Industrial Processes

• 2% - Waste

• 1% Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution

The report looks at the emissions in 2024.  Total greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa reached 110.99 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.

The agriculture, transportation, and industrial processes sectors increased overall emissions in 2024 compared to 2023.  The emissions from power plants declined in 2024, as did the emissions from residential, commercial, and industrial fossil fuel use.   The overall decline in emissions was 2.43%, for a total of 2.77 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents.

To learn more about Iowa's greenhouse emissions inventory report

Update on Bottle Deposit Law

In 2022, the Iowa legislature made significant changes to the bottle deposit law, with the net result of making it much more difficult to redeem empty soda and alcohol containers. As part of the changes, the legislature’s Fiscal Review Committee was told to evaluate the program in the months before the 2026 legislature began.

We are all familiar with the bottle deposit law, when we pay a nickel deposit on each container at the store and then get our nickels back when we return the empties.   The 2022 changes made redeeming the empties significantly more difficult by allowing grocery stores and convenience stores to opt out of accepting the empties if they have a food establishment license, if they have a certified food protection manager, and if they sell time and temperature-controlled food.  Additionally, the store is not required to redeem empty containers if there is a redemption center within 15 miles away if the county’s population is 30,000 or less or within 10 miles for counties with more than 30,000 residents.

After dragging his feet during the legislature’s recess in 2025, Senator Tim Kraayenbrink, the chair, finally scheduled the Fiscal Review Committee for the first day of the legislative session.  The review of the bottle deposit law lasted about 30 minutes.  In summary, the results were:

• Attorney General Brenna Bird has done absolutely no enforcement of the law, even though businesses across the state are not complying with the law.

• The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been receiving complaints from the public. They call the companies that are the subject of the complaint and attempt to coach them to comply with the law.

• The DNR has done absolutely no enforcement.

• One of the flagrant violators was discussed – Dollar General.  The DNR staff indicated that they had conversations over the phone with management of Dollar General over the last two years.  In spite of continued non-compliance, the DNR has not begun any enforcement action.  After Senator Tony Bisignano kept pressing the DNR about their lack of enforcement, the DNR staff admitted that they had not even sent Dollar General a letter laying out the requirements of the Iowa law.

• The DNR did not analyze the effectiveness of the changes in the bottle bill or how it has affected customers.

• Nobody from the public was offered a chance to speak.

• All of the Democrats (Sen. Tony Bisignano, Sen Janet Petersen, Rep. David Jacoby, Rep. Megan Srinivas) on the committee asked detailed questions and made comments. All of the Democrats expressed concern about the current state of the bottle deposit law, the lack of enforcement of the law, and the lack of places to redeem the empty containers. 

• Only two Republicans (Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink and Rep. Gary Mohr) made comments - which were in favor of keeping the law as it is.

• The rest of the Republicans (Sen. Dan Dawson, Sen. Dan Zumbach, Rep. Shannon Latham, Rep. Carter Nordman) asked no questions and made no comments.  

• A final report will be available by the end of the month.

In conclusion, the committee’s evaluation of the bottle deposit law was disappointing.  It is unfortunate, since the changes to the law have made it significantly more difficult to redeem empty bottles since there are fewer locations to redeem the bottles, the number of redemption centers have not increased to make up the difference, many of the redemption centers are not open at convenient times for consumers, and redemption centers are not conveniently located.

The Sierra Club will continue to monitor legislation affecting the bottle deposit law.

Annual Meeting Sept. 26, 2026

Save the date.  The Iowa Chapter annual meeting will be on September 26, 2026, at the Newton Arboretum in Newton, Iowa.  We will have an exciting program of speakers plus a guided tour of the arboretum.  We plan to have an excellent meal, prepared by a local caterer. 

We'll see you in Newton on Saturday, September 26, 2026!

Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon

Fridays at noon, we do a Lunch and Learn livestream.  See us on Facebook at "Sierra Club Iowa Chapter".  These are recorded so you can watch them anytime.  Topics will be selected based on what is happening during the week.  During the legislative session, we cover issues coming before the Iowa legislature.

In case you missed our past webinars and lunch and learn sessions, you can still see them on our YouTube.  

• Get a first-hand tour of "Iowa Wildlife Center", January 16, 2026

• "Exploring Tritium Dangers to Protect Future Generations and Ecosystems", January 9, 2026

• First of 2026 "Wildlife Action Plan Updates", January 2, 2026

• Find out "What's the fuss about data centers?", December 19, 2025

Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter

Almost everything we do is done by volunteers like you.  If you would like to volunteer for the Iowa Chapter, please let us know by sending an E-mail to Iowa.chapter@sierraclub.org.  Or sign up by using the online form.  There are many opportunities for you to make a difference:

• making phone calls

• developing graphics for banners and flyers

• working on legislative issues

• working on elections

• fundraising

• organizing events

• joining an issue committee 

If you would like to join our legislative action team, sign up here.  Keep on top of what is happening at the Iowa legislature.  Be alerted when you should contact your legislators about pending legislation.

Photo: camping by Jess Mazour.

Sierra Club - working every day on Iowa’s environmental problems

Sierra Club is Iowa’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization.  Not only that, we are the best bet in the state for achieving bold solutions to Iowa’s environmental problems.

We work in the courts, before Iowa’s public agencies, and in the halls of the legislature.  The Iowa Chapter's effort to protect the environment takes financial support.  The Chapter receives very little financial support from the national Sierra Club.  Can we count on you for a donation to ensure even more victories?  Your contribution will be put to work here in Iowa on issues that affect every day Iowans – water quality, clean air, protection of Iowa's soil, parks and natural areas, and a strong democracy.  The Iowa Chapter is relentless in fighting back bad legislation that affects every one of us. 

Your non-deductible contributions make it possible for us to fight bad legislation and to promote good legislation.  We appreciate your past and on-going support of these efforts.  You can make a non-deductible donation with a credit card.   A non-deductible donation supports the Chapter's effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying programs.  If you prefer, a non-deductible check can be written to the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter and mailed to:

Treasurer
Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter
PO Box 1058
Marion, IA 52302

You can also make a tax-deductible donation with a credit card.  Tax-deductible activities are limited to public interest education, research and legal actions.  A deductible check can be written to the Sierra Club Foundation with “Iowa Chapter” written in the memo line.

Thank you for your support.

Donate your used vehicle

As the Sierra Club Foundation's Iowa Chapter continues to raise charitable funds to support its work in Iowa, won’t you consider participating in our vehicle donation program?  Our partners over at CARS have made the process of donating your unused or unneeded car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV easy, efficient and secure.  They’ll take care of everything from picking up your vehicle to sending you a tax receipt for your generous gift.  To learn more about The Sierra Club Foundation's Iowa Chapter vehicle donation program, please call 844-674-3772.  Or visit our webpage to get started today!

Sierra Club Foundation promotes climate solutions, conservation, and movement building through a powerful combination of strategic philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. The Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of Sierra Club’s charitable environmental programs.

For more information 

Planned giving . . . naming the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter in your will 

Ensure your environmental legacy by naming the Iowa Chapter in your will or trust. These gifts cost you nothing now. You can hold onto your assets for as long as you need them.

Thank you for supporting our work!