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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Setback for Cleaning Up Iowa Water?

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Friday, March 27, 2009   

Des Moines, IA – Iowa farmers and environmental groups are reacting to a bill passed in the state senate that undercuts plans by The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to restrict winter manure application on frozen ground. Environmental groups argue the practice allows the waste to run off into waterways, while current state law allows Iowa factory farms to dump manure throughout the year, with few restrictions. The DNR was in the process of developing new rules to limit where such spreading could occur until the senate vote.

Hugh Espey, executive director of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, recalls lawmakers had claimed they wanted to strike a balance.

"The DNR rule is a common-sense compromise and what the Iowa Senate did is a step backward. It’s a step in the direction of supporting polluters over people."

Iowa has some of the dirtiest waters in the nation, says Espey, and strong regulations are needed to ensure a supply of clean water; a theme he says many legislators campaigned on.

"Politicians have run on clean water, and I guess we and thousands of other Iowans expect them to stand up for clean water when they get elected."

The passage of Senate File 432 came over the objections of groups ranging from the Des Moines Water Works, which has been dealing with high levels of ammonia from manure runoff, to the Iowa DNR itself. However, about 250 farmers packed a DNR hearing room last week to urge the agency not to pass stricter regulations, but instead to implement a best-practices education program. The bill now moves to the House.






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