HF 2001 requires new data centers (permit applications on or after January 1, 2026) and existing data centers expanding or renovating after that date to use cooling technologies that limit water consumption to a maximum of 0.2 liters per kilowatt-hour of energy used. It mandates data centers to submit water usage plans before construction and provide annual compliance reports for five years, while encouraging the use of nonpotable or recycled water sources like treated wastewater or stormwater for cooling. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day, corrective action orders, or permit suspension. The bill directly affects data centers consuming at least one megawatt of electricity annually, aiming to reduce strain on Iowa’s freshwater resources.
This bill prohibits most weather modification activities, including cloud seeding (using chemicals like silver iodide) and "weather engineering" that intentionally alters weather or climate. It directly affects anyone conducting such activities without legal authorization, such as private entities or individuals using aircraft or ground generators for atmospheric manipulation. The law authorizes Iowa's Department of Public Safety to issue immediate cease-and-desist orders (treated as court orders) and imposes class D felony penalties for violations, including up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,245 per day of violation. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill removes the expiration date for an annual $20 million appropriation from Iowa's general fund to the Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Fund. Currently, this funding is set to end June 30, 2028, but the bill makes it permanent. The REAP Fund, which supports conservation and environmental projects, will continue receiving this $20 million annually unless lottery funds are also appropriated to the fund (in which case the general fund amount would be reduced by the lottery contribution). The bill directly affects the long-term funding mechanism for the REAP Fund's conservation programs.
SF 2111 requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources to develop a statewide resilience plan by December 2027, coordinating with state agencies like transportation, homeland security, and agriculture. The plan must include a risk assessment covering flooding, water supply changes, and other natural hazards; an inventory of critical assets (like infrastructure, schools, and natural resources); and a prioritization system for resilience projects. It mandates regular updates and biennial reports to the governor and legislature starting in 2029, tracking progress on reducing risks to communities and infrastructure. This bill directly affects state agencies responsible for planning, local governments implementing projects, and communities facing climate-related hazards.
HF 2071 increases Iowa's tax refund for biodiesel producers from 4 cents to 5 cents per gallon. The refund amount is calculated by multiplying this new rate by the total gallons of biodiesel produced quarterly within the state. The bill also extends the program's expiration date from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031. This directly affects Iowa-based biodiesel producers by increasing their quarterly tax refund.
This bill defines "portable solar generation devices" as small, moveable solar units (max 1,200 watts) designed to connect to standard household outlets, offset personal electricity use, meet safety codes, and include outage safety features. It prohibits utilities from requiring customer approval for installation, charging fees, or demanding extra equipment beyond the device itself. The bill also exempts these devices from standard interconnection rules and net metering requirements. It directly affects homeowners installing small-scale solar systems under 1.2 kilowatts for personal use.
HF 2076 changes how Iowa electric utilities handle unused energy credits for customers with distributed generation (like rooftop solar). It requires utilities to keep excess kilowatt-hour credits in a customer’s account to offset future bills, rather than automatically cashing them out annually. Customers must now actively request a cash-out or when ending service, at the utility’s avoided cost rate, with funds split between the customer and the low-income energy assistance program. This bill directly affects residential and small business solar customers who generate excess electricity.
HF 2210 amends Iowa's water allocation law by removing the existing definition of "beneficial use" and requiring the Department of Natural Resources to determine beneficial use on a case-by-case basis when reviewing water permit applications. The bill mandates that permits for water diversion, storage, or withdrawal must be approved or denied within 90 days (or 30 days for renewals), with the department considering public health, safety, and conservation. It also requires all new permits issued after July 1, 1986, to include mandatory conservation practices and emergency measures. The bill directly affects water users applying for permits, shifting decision-making from categorical rules to individualized assessments by the department.
SF 2104 requires large water use facilities in Iowa to report annual water usage to the Department of Natural Resources. It specifically targets facilities using 25,000+ gallons per day primarily engaged in data processing (NAICS 518210), ethyl alcohol manufacturing (NAICS 325193), or cryptocurrency mining. Each covered facility must submit detailed water usage reports by March 31 each year. The bill establishes a straightforward reporting obligation without altering water usage limits or imposing new restrictions.
This bill creates the Iowa Carbon Dioxide Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate response and long-term recovery for communities affected by CO2 pipeline incidents, such as leaks or ruptures. It imposes a tax on CO2 pipeline operators and facilities to fund the relief efforts, requiring a minimum $10 billion balance in the fund before pipelines can operate in Iowa. The fund will cover emergency cleanup, victim compensation, rebuilding, and environmental restoration. Two oversight boards - the Oversight Board (managing fund integrity) and Victim Assistance Board (distributing aid) - will administer the fund and ensure resources reach affected individuals and communities.
