The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has withdrawn a January 2024 proposed rule that would have reduced the discharge of nutrients and pollutants from meat packing plants and slaughterhouses. The agency said it chose to withdraw the rules in an effort to prioritize the nation’s food supply and to keep food prices down. The proposed rules […]
Environmental Protection Agency
Posted inCommunity/News
‘We clearly have a problem’: Des Moines Water Works opposes EPA decision to rescind impaired water designations
Officials from Des Moines Water Works said Thursday a decision from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pertaining to water quality did “not align” with the “operational and financial” challenges the utility has faced in providing safe drinking water to Iowans. EPA previously designated seven river segments, including two connected to Des Moines’ source waters, as […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Des Moines area residents asked to ‘hold off’ on lawn watering as high nitrate levels threaten drinking water supply in Central Iowa
Residents of Iowa’s largest metro area are being advised they “may need to reduce or hold off on lawn watering altogether,” as Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) and Central Iowa Water Works work to ensure the drinking water they provide to more than 20 percent of the population remains safe. The rains in recent months […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Petition asking EPA to crack down on water pollution from factory farms is rejected — six years after it was filed
This week the Environmental Protection Agency rejected a petition from a coalition led by Food & Water Watch that asked the agency to strengthen regulations regarding water pollution from factory farms. “For more than 50 years, EPA has knowingly shirked its crystal clear obligation to regulate factory farms under the Clean Water Act,” Food & […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Report: Gov. Reynolds has repeatedly stopped Iowa AG Tom Miller from joining lawsuits against the Trump administration
Since May, Gov. Kim Reynolds has prevented Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller from submitting friend-of-the-court briefs in 10 federal lawsuits brought by other states against the Trump administration. The cases involve environmental regulations, gun control, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and the treatment of asylum seekers.
Posted inCommunity/News
Climate change doubter appointed to head EPA district that includes Iowa
A Wisconsin state official who doubts the existence of climate change and oversaw the elimination of the science bureau of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is the Trump administration’s choice to run the Environmental Protection Agency’s regional office that covers Iowa.
Posted inCommunity/News, Features
Updated: Satellite Marches for Science spring up across Iowa in support of the national march
This Earth Day, April 22, people are taking a stand to defend science and evidence-based policy with a March for Science. In addition to the march planned on the National Mall in Washington D.C., over 500 satellite marches are planned around the country and the world. In Iowa, marches are planned in Des Moines, Iowa City, Davenport, Independence, Tipton, Decorah, Dubuque, Mason City and Cedar Falls.
The idea for the march sprang up in the wake of the massive post-inauguration Women’s March and has gained support following actions from the new presidential administration and from state and federal legislators that undermine or ignore scientific knowledge. Over the past few months, the science march’s main Facebook page has gained over 500,000 likes and has been championed by Bill Nye (the Science Guy), who was named one of the honorary national co-chairs, and Jane Goodall.
Posted inCommunity/News
EPA proposal in Waterloo met with controversy
A proposal to install vapor mitigation systems at a former manufacturing building in Waterloo has alarmed some residents. Groundwater and soil contamination at the former Waterloo Industries building at 300 Ansborough Ave. is the focus of the plan by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The comment period on the plan, which could start this summer, […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cross-country march arrives today in the Iowa City area after nearly six months on the road
What started in California on March 1 has finally made its way to Iowa. The Great March for Climate Action, a cross-country demonstration calling for vigilance in the…
