This bill bars railway corporations from idling train engines longer than one hour when stationary within half a mile of residential neighborhoods in cities. It directly affects rail companies operating near homes, imposing fines of $500 to $5,000 per violation for exceeding the time limit. The rule applies to any stationary train in city areas zoned for housing, with penalties enforced under existing state code. The law aims to reduce noise and pollution from prolonged engine idling near residential properties.
This bill requires rate-regulated electric utilities in Iowa to file a comprehensive resource plan at least every three years. The plan must evaluate all reasonable energy sources - including supply options and conservation programs - to meet future demand over 5- and 20-year timeframes, incorporating approved energy efficiency initiatives. Utilities must include proposed resource additions for each scenario studied but cannot be mandated to specific outcomes. The commission must acknowledge receipt within 90 days and may suggest improvements, while the bill establishes a stakeholder process involving consumers, the commission, and the state load forecasting center for input during planning.
SSB 3068 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific infrastructure improvements through new "system enhancement charges" after approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission. It directly affects investor-owned utilities providing regulated water and wastewater services, requiring them to submit multiyear plans for projects that improve resilience, safety, or environmental protection (e.g., replacing aging infrastructure or complying with federal regulations). Utilities must prove these projects meet defined criteria, including cost estimates and compliance benefits, before the Commission approves the charges. The bill excludes fines/penalties from recoverable costs and establishes a process for annual rate adjustments based on approved plans.
SSB 3099 requires Iowa state agencies to prefer purchasing soybean-based fire fighting foam that contains no perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or fluorine components, provided it meets safety standards and cost limits. The Department of Administrative Services must develop specifications for this foam, certify it as USDA biobased, and establish a procurement preference program. State agencies must prioritize this soy-based foam unless it’s unavailable, fails NFPA safety tests, or costs more than 5% over alternatives. The bill mandates including these preferences in bid solicitations, bidder conferences, and communications with industry trade associations to implement the requirement.
HSB 562 creates a temporary study committee within Iowa's Department of Transportation to examine the feasibility of building wildlife crossings (like overpasses or underpasses) at highway locations with high rates of animal-vehicle collisions. The committee, including transportation, natural resources, and university experts, must analyze crash data, traffic volume, and animal habitats to rank high-risk locations and recommend solutions. It will also assess costs, crash-reduction benefits, and strategies to access federal funding for potential future projects. The committee must submit a final report to the legislature by January 2027, but the bill does not authorize actual construction or funding. This is a preparatory study, not a direct policy change.
This bill changes how excess energy credits are handled for customers with rooftop solar or other small-scale renewable energy systems (distributed generation). Under the new rule, unused credits must stay in a customer's account to offset future electricity bills until the customer specifically requests a cash-out or discontinues service. Previously, credits were automatically cashed out annually at the utility's avoided cost rate, splitting the funds between the customer and a low-income energy program. Customers now choose a January or April cash-out date when connecting their system, but credits remain available for future use without automatic payout.
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 2032 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific infrastructure upgrades through new "system enhancement charges" on customer bills. It directly affects investor-owned utilities regulated by the Iowa Utilities Commission, enabling them to recover expenses for projects like replacing aging systems, installing new infrastructure for safety/environmental protection, or complying with federal/state regulations. Utilities must first get commission approval for a multiyear plan detailing costs and benefits before implementing these charges, with the commission requiring the plan to include cost estimates, engineering reports, and evidence of compliance with environmental rules. The bill defines "system enhancement costs" to include capital expenses, operations, and a pretax return, but explicitly excludes fines or penalties.
HF 2158 requires Iowa's Department of Natural Resources to create a statewide resilience plan by December 2027, focusing on preparing for natural disasters like flooding and water quality changes. The plan must include detailed risk assessments, an inventory of critical infrastructure (such as hospitals, roads, and water systems), and strategies for prioritizing projects that protect communities and natural resources. It mandates specific elements like 30-year projections of hazards, analysis of economic impacts on agriculture and infrastructure, and methods for allocating state and federal funds. The department must update the plan every two years, reporting progress to the governor and legislature on implemented projects and funding needs. This bill directly affects state agencies and local governments by establishing a structured framework for long-term disaster preparedness.
HF 2167 establishes a state program to help landowners create buffer strips - permanent vegetation along rivers, streams, and other waterways - to reduce soil erosion, manage nutrients, and improve water quality. Landowners who enroll in the program will work with the state's soil conservation division to establish and maintain these buffer strips, sharing costs and potentially receiving compensation for income lost during their first year of enrollment. The program is funded by a $5 million annual appropriation from the state general fund, starting in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, managed through a dedicated fund under the division's control.
