The data center issue has become the front and center issue across the state. We all need to be engaged in protecting our community. The Sierra Club has been leading on this issue. We are holding a webinar on September 3 where we will discuss birddogging candidates on the data center issue. We hope you can join us - Birddogging: Engaging Candidates on Data Center Issues - September 3 at 6:30pm via Zoom.
Plus, we wrote a toolkit describing the steps that are used in permitting a data center in your city or county. Although each city and county can vary in how they work on the data center issue, there are some common steps. See our toolkit describing the steps for fighting a data center in your community - Data Center Roadmap
For additional information on data centers, see our website at www.sierraclub.org/iowa/data-centers
Take care and have a great summer,
Pam Mackey Taylor, Chapter Director and Newsletter Editor
What you can do to help the environment
Tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission: We Need Strong Radioactive Pollution Protections! This is important since it will reduce regulations on radiation exposure, including at the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant which is attempting to restart.
See our toolkit describing the steps for approving a data center in your community - Data Center Roadmap
Attend our webinar Birddogging: Engaging Candidates on Data Center Issues - September 3 at 6:30pm via Zoom
Join us for a guided hike at Ciha Fen Preserve on Sept. 12, 10:00 AM, Lisbon, Iowa
RSVP for our Annual Meeting Sept. 26, 2026, Newton Arboretum, Newton, Iowa - Celebrate, Connect, and Take Action! RSVPs are due September 16. Join us for a day of community, learning, and fun at our Annual Meeting on September 26, 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.
Join us for a guided hike at Stephens State Forest on Oct. 17, 10:00 AM, Lucas, Iowa
Missed the live-stream lunch and learn? No problem, find them on our YouTube
Contribute to the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club so that we can continue our work on protecting Iowa's environment
In this issue of the Iowa Sierran
Protecting Iowa's Environment
Update on the Summit carbon pipeline - Summit Carbon Sued for Second Time Over Unpaid Pipeline Bills
Data Center Roadmap - see our toolkit describing the steps for approving a data center in your community
Tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission: We Need Strong Radioactive Pollution Protections!
Learn about Our Environment
Annual Meeting - September 26, 2026 - Celebrate, Connect, and Take Action! RSPVs are due September 16.
Outdoor Experiences - see upcoming outdoor activities at Ciha Fen September 12 and Stephens State Forest October 17
Monarch Festivals - in Des Moines August 23 and Ames August 29
Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon
Plus
Contribute to the Iowa Chapter
Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter
To see the archive of previous Iowa Chapter newsletters
Update on the Summit carbon pipeline
Summit Carbon Sued for Second Time Over Unpaid Pipeline Bills
In a July 27, 2026 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, pipeline material supply company Patton Myhre sued SCS Carbon Transport (an affiliate of Summit Carbon Solutions) for breach of contract, seeking “at least $6.6 million” in damages. The complaint alleges that Summit contracted with Patton Myhre to supply 251 valves and related control equipment for use in Summit’s proposed carbon pipeline project, but failed to pay. According to Patton Myhre, “Summit simply chose not to pay”.
The complaint also alleges that in May 2025, Summit told Patton Myhre it was electing not to pursue the multi-billion dollar, multi-state pipeline project. As such, the company said Summit no longer wanted all the valves, and demanded that Patton Myhre find other buyers for the unwanted valves, as the company said Summit’s “executive leadership had decided to ‘conserve capital’ rather than pay Patton Myhre . . . ”
This is the second major lawsuit filed against Summit by a major pipeline industry vendor. In February 2024, Welspun Tubular – one of just a few companies worldwide that produces the steel used to build pipelines – sued Summit for more than $15 million for breach of contract, after Summit tried canceling an order for the manufacturing of steel pipe. Oral arguments in that case were held last month, and a decision is forthcoming.
Sierra Club Iowa Chapter believes this shows that Summit has not “changed a new leaf” and instead is pursuing business as usual. Iowans should contact their elected officials and Iowa Utilities Commission and ask them to revoke Summit’s permit.
See us at the AJR concert at the Iowa State Fair
The Sierra Club has been invited to table at the AJR concert in the evening of August 19. If you are at the concert, stop by our table and say "hi" to Jess Mazour and Briana Kouma. Plus, take action to Protect Our Water. We will be in the merchandising area.
AJR is an American pop band. Three brothers who founded the band - Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met - are singers and songwriters. Billboard magazine ranked AJR as one of the 100 top-selling touring artists of 2024. According to Wikipedia, "AJR describes their musical style is a mixture of many different genres such as dubstep, doo-wop, hip-hop and theatrical musical like Broadway".
Birddogging: Engaging Candidates on Data Center Issues
September 3rd at 6:30pm. RSVP to receive Zoom link!
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.
What We’ll Cover
Identifying events to birddog - Find opportunities like forums, debates, town halls, and meet-and-greets.
Preparing and practicing - Develop effective questions, research candidates, and practice speaking up with confidence.
Asking your question - Learn how to get your question asked and keep the focus on the issue.
Follow-up - Learn how to continue the conversation with candidates after an event.
Sample questions to ask - Explore questions about data centers, water, energy, utility costs, and community protections.
Next steps - Identify opportunities to put these skills into action and keep data center issues in front of candidates and voters.
The goal is simple: make sure candidates know that data centers, our water, our energy, and our communities matter to voters. Whether you’ve participated in birddogging before or have never heard the term, this is an opportunity to learn how you can take action and help make data center development an important part of the public conversation. Make sure to invite your friends, family and neighbors!
A data center under construction in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Data Center Roadmap
Once you become aware of a data center being proposed for your community, you might be uncertain about the steps that are required by your city or county during the approval process. We created a document listing the various steps along the way and describing the various government entities involved, such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the City Council, and the Board of Supervisors. The processes will vary from city to city and county to county. The best thing you can do is stay in contact with the staff in the planning department of your city or county. They can guide you on the next steps and can give you dates. Also, use the public comment periods offered during the city council and board of supervisor meetings to give your elected officials your thoughts about the data center project. Finally, encourage your neighbors and friends to get engaged with the council or supervisors. To see our toolkit
For additional information, see our website at www.sierraclub.org/iowa/data-centers
Photo of data center in Council Bluffs by Tom Reardon
Tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission: We Need Strong Radioactive Pollution Protections!
Docket Number: NRC-2025-1140-0001. Sierra Club has made it easy for you to write to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The Trump Administration has issued many “Executive Orders” to fast-track new nuclear power building and licensing. These orders urge the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to weaken its radiation standards to expedite the push across the U.S. for nuclear-powered data centers and more nuclear weapons and reactors.
Now, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is asking for public comment on proposed changes in current radiation exposure standards, which would remove the long-standing goal of keeping emissions As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).
The proposed rule would open the door to people being exposed to higher radiation through releases to air and water from nuclear power, as well as from medical and research facilities. Those who work in these facilities would be at even higher risk.
These proposed rule changes serve the nuclear power industry and giant tech companies betting on AI data centers, and they ignore the immense damage to public health from more radioactive pollution in our air, food, and water.
Let’s be clear: There is no "safe" level of radiation exposure. Every dose adds to your lifetime risk of cancer and other illnesses like heart disease and reduced immunity. Higher radiation exposures increase the risk to our communities, especially those near nuclear facilities.
To learn more, see Reforming and Modernizing the NRC’s Radiation Protection Framework
We must insist on strengthening radiation exposure protection guidelines, not weakening them!
Take action to safeguard public health and the environment. Say NO to the NRC’s proposed changes and submit your public comments to the NRC before August 31, 11:59 EST. Write to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Using the talking points below, submit your comments to the NRC today! Be sure to add your personal message in your comments. It's critical that your message is unique. Unique responses have more impact with the agency receiving them. Note that this tool does not support "anonymous" submissions; your comments will be submitted identifying you as an individual.
Talking Points
This rule does not keep up with radiation science, which shows that even one radioactive particle, if ingested via air, food, or water, can cause cancer or illness.
This rule eliminates ALARA — the longstanding As Low As Reasonably Achievable standard — exempting industry from precautions that prevent spread of radioactivity to workers, the public, and the environment. (Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 134, p. 43463)
Current standards are based on an adult male body — not women, not children, not girls. Girls face higher lifetime cancer risks. Pregnancy exposures can affect three generations at once.
Industry will be allowed to expose the public to more radioactive pollution just by asking for an exemption, effectively deregulating itself.
There is no obvious way for the public to object to or refuse radioactive exposures under this rule — it amounts to silencing public opposition.
The NRC claims to maintain current protection levels while weakening them — a duplicitous claim. This proposed rule shifts cost from industry to public health
Photo Duane Arnold nuclear power plant near Palo, Iowa
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
Saturday, October 17th, Stephens State Forest (48546 137th Trail, Lucas, Iowa) - Lace up your hiking boots and join us on Saturday, October 17th at 10:00 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. Sign up for this event
Monarch Festivals
We will soon see monarch butterflies on their southward migration to Mexico. The Sierra Club is tabling at two festivals celebrating the monarch butterfly this August. At both festivals, we will be working on a craft project with the children who stop by. We will be making buttons featuring the life stages of the monarch. Jerry Weiner donated a button-making machine in memory of his wife Margaret Yoder Weiner.
The first festival will be at the Monarch Day on August 23 from 10am to 2pm at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa.
The second festival is Monarch Magic on August 29th from 10 am to 1 pm at Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames, Iowa.
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
Featured guest speaker is David Courard-Hauri from Drake University.
We will also hear from a panel of wildlife experts, including Stephanie Shephard (butterflies and raptors), Marlene Ehrsman from the Iowa Wildlife Center, biologist Terry VanDeWalle, and moderator Tom Rosburg
This will be followed by a guided hike through the Arboretum. We also ask that you dress for a hike and to bring a water bottle or drinking container to reduce cup waste.
We can't forget a delicious catered lunch from Magg Family Catering which will include vegetarian options.
We’ll reflect on our accomplishments, share what’s ahead, and invite you to take action.
Speaker Info:
David Courard-Hauri is a professor of Environmental Science and Sustainability at Drake University, where he teaches classes on climate change, environmental modeling, sustainability, and related topics. He has a Masters of Public Affairs from Princeton University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Stanford, and has published four environmental science textbooks, including one out this summer on environmental modeling. Since 2011 he has helped organize and write the annual Iowa Climate Statements, co-signed by over 200 climate scientists and educators from all of Iowa’s major colleges and universities. These statements serve to communicate key ideas about how Iowans impact and are impacted by climate change every fall. In his free time, he likes to garden, proselytize about edible landscaping, and run endurance triathlons.
Stephanie Shephard - A native of Virginia, Stephanie received a BS in Biology from the University of Richmond. She landed in Iowa to study prairie reconstruction and butterfly communities as part of a Master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Iowa State University. Since then, she’s worked in Missouri and Virginia before settling into a job as a wildlife diversity biologist at the Iowa DNR for the last 20 years. She is passionate about prairies and the wildlife that depend on them, especially its smaller denizens.
Terry VanDeWalle is a Senior Principal Biologist at Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with 35 years of experience specializing in animal and natural areas surveys, herpetology, threatened and endangered species surveys, Endangered Species Act Consultation, wetland delineation and permitting, wetland mitigation design and monitoring, and coordination of environmental impact statements and assessments. He has been conducting pre- and post-construction wildlife surveys and permitting at wind farms for 19 years. In addition, he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Wildlife Center and is an Adjunct Professor at Hawkeye Community College where he teaches a course on Wildlife Ecology.
Marlene Ehresman - Since 2009, Marlene Warren Ehresman has been the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Iowa Wildlife Center, which serves Iowa through professional wildlife rehabilitation of native species, environmental education, and wildlife assistance skills training. Prior to this she was a staff member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for over 12 years. She served the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association from 1988 through 1996 as a board member. In 1985, she co-founded the Iowa Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, which was a state-wide network of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. She is proud and honored to be the recipient of several awards for her work for conservation and the environment. Marlene has dual degrees in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and Environmental Studies from Iowa State University. Since childhood, she has had a deep interest in wild places and wild things and melds her personal and professional life by striving to live intentionally and ethically for this good Earth.
We'll see you in Newton on Saturday, September 26, 2026! RSVP by Sept 16
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.
Summit Sued Again!, August 14, 2026
Open Records Requests, August 7, 2026
Preparing for Data Centers in Iowa - Ordinances, August 4, 2026
Next Steps with the Palo data center, July 31, 2026
2026 Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, July 24, 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.
Contribute to the Iowa Chapter
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 .
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