Iowa Global Warming

Iowa environmental policymakers say a little-known state law prohibits them from enacting stricter air quality requirements than those passed by the federal government.

Several current and former members of the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission, which sets state environmental policy, say the state would have trouble limiting mercury and other toxic chemical emissions without fretting about legal challenges because of the law.

As a result, Iowa cannot easily follow the lead of several neighboring states, including Wisconsin and Illinois, which have passed laws calling for dramatic reductions in mercury and other toxic emissions in the coming years.

“It’s almost like, why even go through the commission?” EPC Commissioner Susan Heathcote said. “This is almost a waste of our time … when we don’t have the authority as a state to do anything but what the (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) requires.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Heads up! New legislation could limit the amount of time drivers are legally allowed to idle their engines, a report in the Des Moines Register said this morning. The proposed actions would invite Iowa to join 37 other states, cities and counties that have already moved to regulate the harmful effects of uselessly idling engines.
Of particular concern are diesel public transportation vehicles, which regularly waste taxpayer money and cause harmful emissions linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses by idling for long periods at single stops. Many idling laws are crafted to target this wasteful practice specifically, helping to both improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in one fell swoop.
For those concerned about their chilly morning commute-don’t be! States in the colder regions of the country have already written in special caveats that allow for extra idling time during cold days. Rhode Island, for instance, has a five-minute idling limit for days warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a fifteen minute idling limit for days between 0 degrees and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and an unlimited time limit for days colder than zero degrees. Plenty of time to get things toasty inside!
For more, read the full story here. Laws like this are obvious win-wins for the entire state over – that includes taxpayers, commuters and anyone else who breathes Iowan air!

DES MOINES, IA – Iowans will continue to face serious health risks and the state may lose new business unless the Iowa Legislature takes big steps soon to reduce air pollution, state air-quality officials say.



State environmental regulators are asking the Legislature this year to ban trash and yard-waste burning soon in Iowa’s largest cities and statewide by 2013, and to consider limits on the amount of time diesel trucks and buses can legally idle. Both emit 40 dangerous compounds and contribute to climate change.

In addition, lawmakers are expected to discuss vehicle emissions limits similar to those proposed in California. A dozen other states are considering comparable proposals, which would likely be phased in over a decade, said state Rep. Donovan Olson, who heads the House Environmental Protection Committee.