This bill increases Iowa's sales or use tax refund for biodiesel producers from 4 cents to 5 cents per gallon of biodiesel produced in the state. The refund amount is calculated by multiplying the new 5-cent rate by the total gallons produced each quarter. It extends the expiration date of this tax incentive from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2031. The bill directly affects biodiesel producers operating within Iowa.
This bill clarifies when multiple livestock feeding operations must be treated as a single entity for environmental regulations. It defines "related operations" as facilities within 2,500 feet sharing manure systems, roads, water wells, or property ownership under common management. Operations meeting these criteria must combine their size calculations for regulatory purposes, including compliance with distance requirements for expansion. The law specifically prevents expanding related operations without meeting applicable distance standards. It directly affects large-scale livestock farms operating multiple facilities under shared management or infrastructure.
This bill requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to identify specific animal sources (like livestock or wildlife) and assign percentage contributions to fecal bacteria pollution before adding a water body to the state's list of impaired waters. It mandates that the DNR conduct microbial source tracking analysis to determine which animal species are responsible for pollution when compiling the federal Clean Water Act's 303(d) list. This directly affects the DNR's process for listing polluted waterways and could influence future pollution reduction efforts targeting specific sources. The requirement applies only when fecal bacteria is the identified pollutant causing impairment.
This bill requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources to create an interactive digital map on its website to help farmers and others applying manure from animal feeding operations (AFOs) avoid water pollution. The map identifies areas vulnerable to runoff based on terrain, weather, proximity to water sources, and fields covered by multiple management plans. It must be used before manure application, with operators verifying they consulted it when filing their manure or nutrient management plans. The map aims to reduce pollution risks by helping users adjust application timing and rates based on real-time environmental factors.
This bill (HSB 713) updates Iowa's water resource management rules by requiring permits for most surface and groundwater withdrawals. It directly affects agricultural, municipal, industrial, and recreational water users who must apply for permits before withdrawing water, with exemptions only for "nonregulated uses." Key provisions clarify "beneficial use" to include domestic, agricultural, and recreational needs while adding strict conditions: permits may be denied if withdrawals threaten long-term water availability, harm natural flow, or impair navigability. The bill also sets timelines for permit decisions (90 days for new applications, 30 days for renewals) and mandates that permits include conditions to mitigate environmental impacts.
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.
SF 2261 requires owners of larger confinement feeding operations (excluding small animal feeding operations) to install and operate water pollution monitoring systems that track pollutants discharged to groundwater or surface water. These operators must report the collected data to Iowa's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) every 90 days, with the DNR publishing the data online and sharing it with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The bill applies to operations exceeding 500 animal units (e.g., large swine or cattle facilities), which are currently subject to less stringent regulation under Iowa law. Violations could result in daily civil penalties of up to $10,000.
HF 2534 adds shellfish to Iowa's definition of "animal" under animal feeding operation (AFO) regulations. It establishes weight-based calculation rules: shellfish weighing 25 grams or more equal 0.001 animal units each, while smaller shellfish equal 0.00006 animal units each. Shellfish confinement operations can now choose to follow general water quality permitting instead of standard AFO requirements. This directly affects shellfish farmers by integrating them into the state's existing AFO regulatory framework.
HF 2447 requires data centers in Iowa to submit quarterly reports on water and energy usage, including details like water sources, efficiency metrics (e.g., water usage effectiveness), and energy consumption data. It also mandates a separate utility tariff classification for data centers to ensure their costs are fairly allocated without shifting expenses to other electricity users. Data center operators must report basic facility information (name, address, operational dates) alongside usage metrics, with reports published online by state agencies. These requirements apply to all existing and new data centers within specified timeframes after the bill’s effective date.
This bill limits civil or criminal liability for businesses when climate-related damages are alleged to stem from greenhouse gas emissions. It applies specifically to emissions from agricultural operations or renewable fuel sources (like farms or biofuel facilities), covering gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Plaintiffs must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the business violated existing emissions rules or permits before pursuing such claims. The law does not create new legal rights but shields entities complying with current regulatory standards from climate-related lawsuits.
