• Eminent Domain Legislation

• March 10 Pipeline Lobby Day & Rally at the Capitol

• Renewable energy siting

• Unnecessary hurdle in listing waters as impaired

• Funding for Water Sensors

• Data Center Energy & Water Reporting

• 1st funnel sidelines legislation

Learn about Our Environment

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

• Outdoor Experiences

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

• Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon

Plus

• Contribute to the Iowa Chapter

• Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter

• Calendar of events

• To see the archive of previous Iowa Chapter newsletters

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, already passed the Iowa House.  It has moved to the Iowa Senate, where it has passed the Senate Commerce Committee.  It is ready to be debated by the Iowa Senate.

Ask your Iowa Senate member to support HF2014 without amendment, banning eminent domain on carbon oxide pipelines.  

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

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

March 10 Pipeline Lobby Day & Rally 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.  We are not going away, we need to show up in force this session and make sure our legislation passes.  

Join us at the capitol on Tuesday, March 10, 12pm for our Lobby Day and Rally at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines.

Photo of pipeline rally at the capitol

Renewable energy siting

The legislature is considering a law that would create state-wide standards for siting renewable energy projects.  Counties and cities would still review each siting project and would allow public input as part of the decision.  Counties would benefit from the taxes that the projects generate.  Landowners who choose to lease their land for renewable energy projects would benefit from the income they make from leasing their land for the projects.  This bill is ready to be debated on the House floor.  Ask your state representative to support HF2580 (formerly HSB692).  To look up your House member, see Iowa Legislature - Representatives , www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house , or to Find your legislator

Unnecessary hurdle in listing waters as impaired

Every two years, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) creates an impaired waters list (also called a 303(d) list) of water bodies that are not meeting their water quality standards.  Once a water is on the list, the DNR is supposed to prepare a total maximum daily load (TMDL) which includes a plan for bringing the water body into compliance with water quality standards.

One of the criteria that places a water on the impaired waters list is fecal indicator bacteria.  The fecal bacteria largely comes from livestock manure.  The livestock industry wants to avoid responsibility for polluting Iowa's waters.  They are attempting to point fingers at other sources of the fecal indicator bacteria.  They also want to reduce waters on the impaired waters list and are trying to do this by putting extra requirements for listing a water as impaired.     

The legislature is considering a bill that would require the DNR to determine the source, by species, of the bacteria before a water could be put on the impaired waters list - each species of animal would be designated by percentage that contributed to the impairment.  

1. This bill is not necessary.  Once high levels of fecal indicator bacteria are detected in a water body, it is to be placed on the impaired waters list, as required by the Clean Water Act.  

2. When a water is placed on the impaired waters list, it simply means that the water does not meet water quality standards.  It does not matter what species of animal or animals caused the high levels of fecal indicator bacteria.

3. This is simply a way to avoid listing of waters as impaired for fecal indicator bacteria - just delaying or dodging a listing.  Humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife can become sick from exposure to waters that have high levels of fecal indicator bacteria.

4. It is also a means for the livestock industry to avoid accepting responsibility that their farming practices have caused pollution to enter the state's water bodies and have allowed them to avoid cleaning up their pollution.

5. Once the water is placed on the impaired waters list and the TMDL is being prepared, it may make sense to determine what species caused it, which is when the time and expense should be expended.  

6. Given that budgets are flat, it is a waste of taxpayer money to test all waters with fecal indicator bacteria to determine the source species, be it human, livestock, or wildlife. 

What you can do

This bill is ready for a House vote.  Ask your state representative to oppose HF2530 (formerly HSB657). To look up your House member, see Iowa Legislature - Representatives , www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house , or to Find your legislator

Iowa has a serious water quality problem.  Everyone knows about it.  We need to deal with it and not try to avoid it.

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

Data Center Energy & Water Reporting

Iowa is home to over 100 data centers.  Each of those data centers consumes large quantities of water and uses large amounts of electricity.  Yet, we do not have a good handle on the amount of water and the amount of energy they consume every year.  A bill is working its way through the Iowa legislature that would require data centers to submit quarterly reports of water usage to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and would require quarterly reporting of how much energy is used to the Iowa Utilities Commission.  

Large uses of electricity strain the existing electric system, from generation to transmission to distribution of electricity.  It may require electric companies to build additional power generation.  That can have a huge impact on the rates we pay for electricity.   

Large quantities of water are needed to cool the computer hardware in a data center.  That can put huge strains on the state's aquifers, surface water, and groundwater resources.  Cities and rural water associations might need to build new infrastructure (wells, water towers, treatment capacity, water pipes) in order to support the needs of data centers.  That can have a huge impact on all customers receiving water from the utility company.

Transparency of the water and energy uses of data centers can help utilities plan for future infrastructure so that we all have access to water and energy.

This bill is ready for a House vote.  Ask your state representative to support HF2447. To look up your House member, see Iowa Legislature - Representatives , www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/house , or to Find your legislator

1st funnel sidelines legislation

On February 20, legislation that had not been forwarded by a Senate or House committee was sidelined for the current legislative session.  They say that bills are never dead until the final gavel falls.  What that means is that legislation can be moved forward as amendments to other bills.

Some of the bills we were following were sidelined by the funnel, including:

• A bill - HF2042 - that required a study of merging the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship failed to move forward.  The Sierra Club opposed this bill.

• A bill - HF2099 - that would place the black bear on the fur bearer list failed to move forward, with the protections of a closed hunting and trapping season until the population had grown in Iowa to a point that it could sustain a hunting and trapping season.  The Sierra Club supported this bill.

• Two bills that would increase wildlife crossings at highway intersections where there are large numbers of crashes with wildlife failed to move forward - HSB562 and HF2063.  The Sierra Club supported these bills.

• A bill - HF2081 - failed to move forward.  That bill required aircraft detection lighting systems to be installed on wind turbines - required for all new turbines installed after July 1, 2026; existing turbines to be upgraded by January 1, 2028.  The Sierra Club supported this bill.

• Two bills - SF2193 and HF723 - failed to move forward that would require all sewage sludge be tested for PFAS before it was applied on farmland; allowing the landowner to deny application of the sewage sludge if PFAS was detected.  The Sierra Club supported these bills.

The next funnel is March 20, where more of the bills will be sidelined.

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

Outdoor Experiences

We have several outdoor events planned for this spring.  We hope you can join us.

March 14, 1:00pm, Antler Shed and Nature Scavenger Hunt, Stuart, Iowa - Join us a for a fun day of exploring nature! One of our favorite times to explore the outdoors is late winter/early spring. There is so much to see in the forest in the winter before the greenery takes over and bugs are in full force.  And, in late February, bucks shed their antlers.  This is a family friendly event.  For more details and to RSVP

May 16, 9:30 am, Whitewater Canyon, Cascade, Iowa - Join the Cedar-Wapsie Sierra Club for a guided morning hike at Whitewater Canyon on Saturday, May 16 at 9:30 a.m., exploring 3 to 4 miles of scenic, steep mowed paths with a naturalist leading the way. This stunning 562-acre area just east of Cascade features dramatic 200-foot cliffs, overlooks, and the breathtaking Valley of 13 Caves, carpooling is encouraged, and an optional lunch will follow the hike. Sign up here

June 13, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Fishing Outing and More, Stuart, Iowa - Ready for an easy‑going outdoor adventure the whole family will love? Join Sierra Club Iowa Chapter for a fun‑filled afternoon of nature activities!  Check out the details and sign up

June 20, 9:00 am, Indian Creek Nature Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Start your morning outdoors with a relaxed, naturalist-led hike through the trails at Indian Creek Nature Center, where you’ll discover local plants and wildlife and learn how the ecosystem changes with the seasons. This welcoming, all-ages walk takes place Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 AM (5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids) and costs $5 per person, payable at the door or online. Sign up for this event

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.  

• "First Funnel Report back", February 20, 2026
• "Renewable Siting - HSB692", February 13, 2026
• Two bills on "Community Solar", February 6, 2026
• Stay up to date on "Black Bear & Carbon Pipeline Bills", January 30, 2026
• "Action Alert: Contact your Senator, Support HF2104", January 23, 2026

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!

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 .