Environment (Natural Disasters)

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.

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.