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| Rob Hogg Energy and Environment Update (January 19, 2010) |
Dear Friends:
This is my first energy and environment update of the 2010 legislative session. I hope to send these updates out occasionally about legislative developments in the area of energy and environmental policy, and also let you know about upcoming updates. I hope this information is helpful. As always, if you have questions or suggestions, please let me know.
Watershed and Floodplain Management (SSB3098) - Senate Study Bill 3098 was introduced by the Rebuild Iowa Office in the Senate Rebuild Iowa Committee today to implement the recommendations of the Water Resources Coordinating Council to reduce future flood damage and to improve water quality. Among other provisions, this bill would begin using the 500-year flood plain as the regulatory flood plain; promote multi-purpose wetlands; implement a watershed flood reduction demonstration project; provide minimum state-wide storm water management standards; and require mitigation of soil compaction. To review this bill, and other bills mentioned here, visit the "bill book" at www.legis.state.ia.us.
Solar Energy Bill (SF2057) I introduced Senate File 2057 today which would require Iowa's utilities to provide or purchase seven megawatts of solar photovoltaic electricity, allocated pro rata among Iowa's utilities. Just like Iowa's renewable energy standard encouraged our wind industry development beginning in the early 1990s, this bill would lead to the development of a solar electric industry in our state, creating jobs, and producing clean energy. The seven megawatt requirement, when implemented, would elevate Iowa from 44th among the states in the country in solar power to the top ten.
Renewable Energy Disclosure Bill (SF2030) This bill, which I introduced last week, would require Iowa's utilities to disclose to their customers what percentage of the electricity being provided came from renewable resources. There are many claims right now about how much energy is being produced from renewable energy, such as "one out of six" light bulbs being lit by wind power or that "Iowa is a net energy exporter." Consumers should be regularly told how their utility is doing in generating electricity for them. This bill could also encourage more people to become renewable energy customers, like those customers who sign up for Alliant's Second Nature program.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Center on Sustainable Communities Annual Meeting, Wednesday, January 20, Des Moines Central Library. COSC is having its annual meeting at the Des Moines Central Library, from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20. Among its programs, COSC has been actively involved in Cedar Rapids and other parts of the state in training builders in energy efficiency and other green building techniques. For more information, visit www.icosc.org.
Iowa River Revival 2nd River Congress, Saturday, January 23, Story County Conservation Board. The Iowa River Revival is holding its second annual river congress on Saturday, January 23, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Story County Conservation Board's McFarland Park Conservation Center, 56461 180th Street in Ames. Although I will not be able to attend due to party caucuses in Cedar Rapids, this is a great opportunity to meet other Iowans who are interested in water quality, recreational opportunities, and reducing future flood damage. For more information, or to register, visit www.iowarivers.org.
"Climate and Copenhagen," Coe College, Thursday, January 28, Coe College The Cedar-Wapsie Group of the Sierra Club and the Sustainability Council at Coe College are sponsoring "Climate and Copenhagen" on Thursday, January 28, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., in Kesler Auditorium in Hickok Hall on the campus of Coe College. Coe is located at 1220 First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids. The speaker will be Abbie Gruwell, a University of Iowa student who attended the Copenhagen conference on climate change in December, 2009, with a group from the Iowa United Nations Association.
3rd Annual Paddle Fest, Indian Creek Nature Center, Saturday, January 30 Sticks in the Water and the Indian Creek Nature Center are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Paddle Fest at the Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, in Cedar Rapids, on Saturday, January 30, from 1-5 p.m. Cost is $7 for members, $10 for non-members. Exhibitors will have displays, and issues to be addressed include area paddling opportunities by KCRG Sports Director John Campbell; kayak and canoe fishing by Iowa DNR Fishery Biologist Paul Sleeper; the Cedar Valley Lake Urban Fishery; and strategies for developing a Cedar River Water Trail. For more information, visit www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org.
Cedar River Watershed Coalition Organizational Meeting, Cedar Falls, Friday, February 5 Along with our hosts at UNI's Center for Energy and Environmental Education, I am organizing a Cedar River Watershed Coalition organizational meeting on Friday, February 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This meeting is intended to build a coalition and identify specific strategies for land owners and policy makers to reduce future flood damage and improve water quality. It is intended for organizations, cities, counties, soil and water conservation districts, and citizens who want to help protect our watershed. If you would like to participate, please contact Barbara Payton at UNI at barbara.payton@uni.edu or call 319-273-2573.
Cedar Wapsie Group Winter Camping, Backbone State Park, February 5-7 The Cedar Wapsie Group of the Sierra Club is holding its annual winter camping outing at Backbone State Park, near Strawberry Point. Camping is available in a group cabin or outdoors. Cost is $15 per night or $20 for both nights per person. Participants should bring their own sleeping bags and towels. Reservations are required. Please call Mike Wyrick, group chair, at 319-350-1063.
Rob
State Senator Rob Hogg
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3371 (switchboard)
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