Learn about Our Environment

• Annual Meeting - September 26, 2026 - Celebrate, Connect, and Take Action!

• Outdoor Experiences - see upcoming outdoor activities

• 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

Talking about Summit during RAGBRAI

Sierra Club Iowa Chapter teamed up with impacted landowners to talk with RAGBRAI riders as their route crossed the proposed Summit carbon pipeline route.  We braved the heat, had hundreds of conversations and educated more people about the risks of carbon pipelines.

Day 1: Earling, Iowa

Summit’s proposed route was proposed to go 100 feet from the community baseball fields and 500 feet from Earling Elementary.  Shelby County residents and beyond fought back hard to protect their community and just this summer, Summit announced it would drop this section of route.  

RAGBRAI riders couldn’t believe that a hazardous liquid pipeline could be proposed so close to an elementary school and baseball field.  It was a great chance to educate people about the dangers carbon pipelines bring to our communities.  Big thanks to the community of Earling for welcoming us and all the riders who stopped by!

Day 2: Guthrie Center, Iowa

Farmer and impacted landowner Weston Grow hosted us at his farm outside Guthrie Center just 1.5 miles from where the pipeline is scheduled to cross Highway 44.  Weston and his neighbors have been working together to ensure no one in their county signs an easement with Summit.  Neighbors all around the area let us put up signs (the bowling alley, the actual proposed pipeline crossing, roads and ditches along the route and front yards all throughout the town).  

Hundreds of riders stopped by for a free sno-cone and conversation about water, pipelines and property rights.  We even had riders from the EPA stop by our booth!  Thanks to Weston and all the volunteers who helped make it a powerful day.

One of the highlights of our setup were Burma Shave signs. Here's what they said:

YOU CAME TO SEE OUR COUNTRYSIDE

THANKS FOR TAKING THIS LITTLE RIDE

HELP KEEP IOWA FARMS ALIVE

OPPOSE THE SUMMIT PIPELINE

LEGISLATORS: GROW A SPINE

THE PUBLIC SAYS NO PIPELINE

THANKS FOR RIDING THROUGH OUR TOWN

DON’T LET OUR RIGHTS FALL DOWN

TALK TO CANDIDATES EVERYDAY

DON’T GIVE OUR PROPERTY RIGHTS AWAY

YOU RIDE TO SEE THAT IOWA SKY

BUT TAKE A LOOK AS YOU RIDE BY

CARBON PIPELINE PROPOSED TO 

CROSS HERE

FARMERS SAY NO. ISN’T THAT CLEAR?

Pattison Sand Update

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently issued a draft permit for Pattison Sand to withdraw water from the Jordan Aquifer.

In September, 2024, Pattison applied for a permit to withdraw 3.7 billion gallons of water per year from several sources, including the Jordan Aquifer, to be used for Pattison’s mining operation. But the application did not explain why almost four times the amount of the current withdrawal limit is necessary for the mining operation. This is especially puzzling when Pattison’s water withdrawal records show that Pattison has not even been using as much water as allowed by its present permit.  As a result of public outcry, the DNR paused the permit process until the Iowa Geological Survey could perform a year-long comprehensive evaluation of Pattison’s request and its impacts on nearby private wells, public wells, water levels, and regional aquifers.  

Based on the study, the DNR issued a draft permit with a reduced limit of 2.27 billion gallons per year with a withdrawal only from the Jordan Aquifer.  Further, the permit relies on monitoring wells to flag if the water withdrawals are having an impact on neighboring water levels.  Many questions still remain that must be addressed before any permit is finalized.

You can read the Sierra Club's comments on the draft permit.

Photo: Pattison Sand by Larry Stone

Update on nuclear power in Iowa

Duane Arnold and Iowa Utilities Commission

In June, the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) issued a permit for the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant to operate.  The power plant began the decommissioning process in 2020 and has not been operating since then.  The IUC has been asked to reconsider its decision.  After that, the next step is for the parties to move into district court.

Duane Arnold shuttered its facility since it was more costly to produce electricity via nuclear power than alternatives like wind and solar energy.  Google entered into a power purchase agreement with NextEra to purchase the output of the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant to power data centers planned for Linn County. 

Duane Arnold and the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board

NextEra also applied for a permit to operate with the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, an administrative body within the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  To date, no power plant that entered into decommissioning and sitting idle has restarted.  Three nuclear power plants across the United States are attempting to do so - Palisades in Michigan, one of the plants located at Three Mile Island, and Duane Arnold.

Governor's Nuclear Energy Task Force

The Governor assembled a task force to review nuclear energy and its potential in Iowa.  A report is scheduled to be issued this summer.  The report is expected to recommend that Iowa go all-in on nuclear power.

Nuclear power remains expensive.  It is not renewable since uranium is mined from the earth.  Nuclear power is dangerous, from the radioactive tailings left behind in the mining process to the radioactive spent fuel stored on-site at the power plants.

Interstate Power and Light (Alliant) wants to build a gas plant in Linn County

Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) recently applied to the Iowa Utilities Commission for a permit to build a 720-megawatt gas-fired electric power plant in Linn County.  This is a peaker plant and will run when demand for electricity is high.  IPL has been vague about why this new large plant is necessary.  IPL just says it is anticipating load growth.  However, it is likely that the purpose of the plant will be to power data centers since one of the IPL employees blurted that to the Linn County Supervisors.

Also, the Palo, Iowa, Mayor told folks attending the July 13 city council meeting that the Google data centers planned outside of Palo will be powered from the grid when the 600-megawatt Duane Arnold nuclear power plant is down for refueling.

Linn County anticipates a flood of data centers to be proposed to be built in the county.  This is in addition to the 13 QTS and Google data centers being built and proposed in Cedar Rapids near the airport and the 6 Google data centers proposed for the Palo area.   To address the threat of a flood of data centers, the Linn County Board of Supervisors has instituted an 18-month moratorium on the permitting of data centers.  

Most importantly, natural gas is not renewable.  Building more gas plants prevents the transition to renewable energy that is needed to address climate change.

Photo of data center in Council Bluffs by Tom Reardon

REAP assembly meetings 

Iowa’s premier funding program for outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation will be the focus of 19 meetings across the state, where Iowans can share ideas and visions for their county and communities.  Since 1989, the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program has funded nearly $430 million in projects, including water quality improvements, habitat protection, roadside prairies, historical development, park and trail development, and conservation education. Check out REAP County Expenditure Data to discover projects funded by REAP.

“Every two years, Iowans gather for regional assemblies to direct the future of our state’s natural and cultural resources. This year we are re-imagining the assembly by putting local voices and proven projects that have transformed our communities and improved quality of life at the center of the conversation,” said Michelle Wilson, REAP coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “This is your chance to learn about REAP, connect with like-minded citizens who are interested in natural and cultural resource work, and voice how REAP can better serve your community and your region.”

The remaining 2026 Local Meetings

• July 22, 10 a.m., Burlington, Starr’s Cave Nature Center, 11627 Starrs Cave Park Road, in Burlington, for residents of Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa counties.

• July 23, 1 p.m., Okoboji, Maser Monarch Lodge, 22703 Nature Center Road, in Okoboji, for residents of Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto and Sioux Counties.

• July 24, 10 a.m., Dixon, Wapsi River EE Center, 3155 52nd Avenue, in Dixon, for residents of Muscatine and Scott counties.

• July 27, 5 p.m., Winterset, Madison County Conservation Center, 2508 Pammel Park Trail, in Winterset, for residents of Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor and Union counties.

• July 28, 3 p.m., Marshalltown, Gallery Garden, 135 E. Main Street, in Marshalltown, for residents of Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties.

• July 30, 2 p.m., Churdan, Pudenz Farm, 351 130th Street, in Churdan, for residents of Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie and Sac counties.

What to Expect:

• The Showcase: Each region will highlight a local project, and discuss how it was realized through REAP funding, providing a blueprint for what is possible in your own backyard.

• The Citizen Idea Wall: We invite you to add your ideas to a regional “Citizen Idea Wall.” What does your region need next? Your input will form the basis of your regional recommendations and inform your county’s Five-Year REAP plan.

• The Civic Mandate: Per Iowa law, this is your opportunity to review REAP expenditures and recommend changes to state policy. You will elect five delegates to carry these ideas to REAP Congress, held on August 29, at the Iowa State Capitol.

Success is built. Our resources. Your voice. Endless opportunity.  “Join us to see what we’ve built together and help us decide what we will achieve next,” Michelle Wilson said.

For more information on REAP, go to www.iowareap.com.

Photo of paddlers on the Maquoketa River by Pam Mackey Taylor

Outdoor Experiences

Sept. 12, 10:00 AM, Ciha Fen Preserve Outing - Join us for a guided hike at Ciha Fen Preserve, Lisbon, Iowa, led by Tom Rosburg. This unique natural area features rare fen habitat, diverse plant life, and scenic landscapes that offer a great opportunity to learn more about Iowa’s native ecosystems.  Tom will share insights on the preserve’s ecology, highlighting the importance of fens, the species that depend on them, and ongoing conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just looking to enjoy a morning outdoors, this outing is a great way to connect with nature and learn something new.  Participants should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain. The trails should be mowed but please note there are no bathrooms on site! Bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and your curiosity!  Sign up for this event  We hope you can join us.

Photo of Ciha Fen by Pam Mackey Taylor

Annual Meeting Sept. 26, 2026 - Celebrate, Connect, and Take Action!

Join us for a day of community, learning, and fun at our Annual Meeting 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, Magg Family Catering. 

Date: Saturday, Sept 26th
Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Newton, Iowa
Attendance cost: Pay at the door - $25 per adult, kids under 12 are free.
RSVP by Sept 16

We'll see you in Newton on Saturday, September 26, 2026!  RSVP by Sept 16

Photo of a killdeer standing next to its nest by Pam Mackey Taylor

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.  

• Swim Safely: Test Before You Swim, July 17, 2026

• Status of Summit’s Requested Changes, July 10, 2026

• Pattison Sand Water Permit Update, June 26, 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!

Resources for Planning for the Future

The Iowa Chapter has three 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 .