Environmental Protection

HF 2173 prohibits the intentional emission of chemicals or devices into Iowa's atmosphere specifically to alter weather, climate, or sunlight intensity. It requires all public airports to report monthly (starting October 2026) on aircraft equipped with such weather-modifying technology, including their presence, landings, takeoffs, or refueling at the airport. Airport projects failing to comply lose eligibility for state funding until they report properly. Violations are classified as class D felonies for individuals and can trigger up to $100,000 in civil penalties for corporate officers.

HF 2313 prohibits coal-fired power plants and coal ash landfills from discharging toxic pollutants - including mercury, arsenic, and cadmium - from specific wastewater streams (like flue gas desulfurization water and ash transport water) into water sources. It directly affects existing coal power facilities operating before July 1, 2026, requiring them to comply by December 31, 2029, while new facilities must comply before starting operations. The bill mandates that the environmental department create implementing rules and aims to protect drinking water, groundwater, and communities from avoidable coal ash pollution linked to serious health risks. The law focuses on preventing toxic discharges using existing technology, with clear compliance deadlines for different facility types.

This bill proposes adding a new constitutional right to Iowa's constitution, guaranteeing every person access to clean water and air free from health-harming pollutants. It requires the state, acting as a trustee of natural resources, to conserve and restore public waters and air for current and future generations. The amendment is self-executing (taking effect immediately upon ratification) and mandates strict judicial review for any government action infringing on this right. It directly affects all Iowans and state agencies, fundamentally changing how environmental protections are legally enforced.

HF 927 prohibits intentionally releasing air contaminants into Iowa's atmosphere specifically to alter temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. It directly affects any entity or individual conducting such weather-modification activities within Iowa. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Commission to create rules banning these emissions, allowing for emergency rulemaking to take effect immediately. These rules supersede other laws and must be published as a notice of intended action. The law focuses on preventing intentional atmospheric manipulation for weather control purposes.

HF 723 requires Iowa water treatment plants to test sewage sludge for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) before applying it to farmland. If PFAS is detected, the plant must notify the landowner in writing, who can then refuse the sludge without facing legal consequences. The bill directly affects water treatment facilities and farmers who use sewage sludge as fertilizer. It creates a mandatory testing and notification process to inform landowners about potential PFAS presence in applied sludge.