Public News Service

NEVI covers planning, acquisition, installation and operational costs of the EV unit. (Adobe Stock/serperm73)

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

Iowa is accepting bids from people who want an EV charging station on their land. It's part of a nationwide network of infrastructure designed to …

California could buy tax credits from large-scale livestock producers in Iowa to offset California diesel emissions. The new regulations rate Iowa's livestock operations 'cleaner' than diesel. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa CAFOs could cash in on California emissions credits

Iowa factory farms could cash in on new proposed carbon emissions tax-credit rules in California. The new emissions standards would allow …

Iowa has warmed 0.5 to 1 degree in the last century, and floods are becoming more frequent. In the coming decades, the state will have more extremely hot days, which may harm public health in urban areas and corn harvests in rural areas, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

State skips climate-change grants, Iowa cities reap $3 million instead

A handful of Iowa's biggest cities has been awarded $3 million to work on solutions to climate change at the local level. The climate pollution …

Cedar Rapids, in eastern Iowa, had only 15.5 inches of rain in all of 2022, which is about half of what it would normally get by early October. (Adobe Stock)

IA implements first-ever drought plan

The State of Iowa has just put its first-ever drought plan to work to help it manage one of the longest and most severe dry periods in recent history…

Farmers typically feed their cattle ground-up corn plants, including the stalks, leaves and ears in a mixture called silage. Drought has prompted livestock experts to warn of potentially lethal levels of nitrate in the silage this year and recommend getting it tested before feeding in to their cattle. (Adobe Stock)

Experts warn of dangerous high-nitrate cattle feed

Livestock experts are warning farmers about high nitrate content in their cattle feed this fall because of Iowa's prolonged drought. Farmers …

Nine states in the Upper Midwest make up 32% of total installed wind capacity nationwide, according to the Clean Grid Alliance. (Adobe Stock)

Big Push for Wind as Rural Iowa Economic Development

Green energy advocates are pushing wind power as an economic development tool in rural America. Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy …

In 2022, wind turbines were the source of about 10.2% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Wind now accounts for 64% of Iowa's total energy production. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Reaches Milestone on Wind-Energy Production

Sixty-four percent of Iowa's energy production now comes from wind - a new record for the state, according to the U.S. Energy Information …

Project developers have announced ambitions for more than 200 new capture facilities to be operating by 2030, capturing more than 220 metric tons of CO2 per year globally, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists Build Opposition to CO2 Pipelines at Des Moines Hearing

The federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration regulates carbon dioxide pipelines, and is holding a two-day conference in Des …

Electric-car sales reached a record high in 2021, despite supply chain bottlenecks and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Compared with 2020, sales nearly doubled to 6.6 million, according to the International Energy Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Experts School IA Emergency Responders on EV Car Crashes

With more electric vehicles on the road, automakers are training emergency workers in best practices to respond to crashes involving the battery-…

One billion people in more than 193 countries participate in Earth Day activities, according to Earth Day Network. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Educators Focus on Sustainability During Earth Month

As part of Earth Month, an extension of the annual Earth Day celebration, educators and researchers are calling on Iowans to put sustainability first …

Investing in solar produces zero carbon emissions and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases and improves cost efficiency over time, which will end up saving on energy bills, according to Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. (Adobe Stock)

Opportunities Abound 'Under the Sun' for Houses of Worship

A new report by a prominent national research center said America's houses of worship lag in alternative energy investment. The Lawrence Berkeley …

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

Interior Invests $120 Million in Midwest 'Prairie Potholes'

As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the Interior Department has announced it is investing $120 million to restore and rebuild key segments of …

As of March 2022, Iowa had at least 349 megawatts of total installed solar capacity, up from approximately 2 megawatts of solar installed in 2012, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. <br />(Adobe Stock)

ISU Researchers to Study Growing Crops in Solar Farms’ Shadow

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Iowa State University a $1.8 million grant to raise high-dollar crops in the shadow of huge solar …

A record 16,836 megawatts of U.S. wind capacity was installed in 2020, bringing the cumulative total to 121,955 megawatts, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

IA Regulators Make WindPRIME Studies Public

Iowa utilities regulators have published previously undisclosed information on Des Moines-based energy giant MidAmerican Energy's proposal to construc…

Wind power is the most productive renewable energy source in the U.S., generating nearly half of America's renewable energy, according to the World Economic Forum. (Adobe Stock)

IA Regulators Require Release of MidAmerican Wind Energy Studies

Environmental groups are pleased with an Iowa Utilities Board ruling that requires MidAmerican Energy to make planning studies public for its Iowa Win…

More than 85% of Iowa's land is farmland. (Stock/Adobe Stock)

Iowa Farmers' Priorities Released for 2023 Farm Bill

Rural advocacy groups in Iowa have released their priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill, which is already being discussed in Washington, D.C. The Center …

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as dry as this September was in Iowa, it was only the 19th-driest September in the last 128 years. (Adobe Stock)

IA Farmers Opt for Federal Assistance to Weather Drought

New data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of Iowa's 99 counties are abnormally dry, with a handful experiencing extreme drought conditions…

Local government planning experts say while the decommissioning of solar farms isn't as difficult as taking a power plant offline, it still requires things such as an environmental review in bringing the land back to its original state. (Adobe Stock)

Solar Power Grows In IA: Taking the Long View

Drive around Iowa these days, and you're likely to see more evidence of solar power. Policy analysts say it gives the state's clean energy …

In bi-partisan fashion, Iowa leaders have championed wind energy development. But some say the state is behind in studying the broader impact of climate change. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders Face New Pressure to Study Climate Change

The effects of climate change, such as droughts and destructive storms, have been visible across Iowa in recent years. That's prompted calls for …

Despite the growth of renewable energy in Iowa, considering projects is still new to a lot of local governments. That's prompted a Midwest organization to propose a guide to be shared by state leaders. (Adobe Stock)

New Tool Emerges in Helping IA Communities Map Out Wind, Solar

Iowa is seen as a leader in renewable energy for sources like wind power, but tension is building in how to site such projects. The rapid growth of …

Farmers face pressure to reduce harmful runoff through conservation practices. But a new report warns that, as factory farmers eat up more cost-sharing funds, smaller producers will be reluctant to apply for aid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Farmers Shut Out by Conservation Programs

By Bryce Oates Broadcast version by Mike Moen Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Iowa News Service Collaboration Many farmers who apply for federal fund…

The Sierra Club says more than 180 cities have issued 100% clean-energy commitments. (Adobe Stock)

Patchwork of Local Carbon Free Pledges Takes Shape in IA

Iowa is among the top states for wind energy, but it doesn't have a statewide goal to significantly reduce carbon emissions. So, local governments …

Private landowners in farming communities and environmental groups have mounted heavy opposition to proposed carbon-capture pipelines in Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

As IA Session Winds Down, Eminent-Domain Question Lingers

Iowa's legislative session could wrap up this month, but one of the unresolved issues surrounds landowner rights that intersect with proposed …

Una nueva herramienta interactiva estima que casi medio mill�n de habitantes en Iowa tienen varios factores de riesgo que les dificultar�an mucho m�s recuperarse de un desastre natural. (Acci�n de Adobe)

Casi un cuarto de habitantes en Iowa muy vulnerables a desastres naturales

Desde inundaciones históricas hasta el tornado o derecho de 2020, los habitantes de Iowa están familiarizados con los desastres naturales…

Iowa's Solar Energy System Tax Credit, which expired last year, offset the cost of a residential installation project by an average of 13%. (Adobe Stock)

With IA Solar Tax Credit Expired, Focus Shifts to Payment Backlog

Iowa's tax credit for installing solar-energy systems is no longer in place, but lawmakers still face pressure to provide payments to those who were …

No-till farming, which involves growing crops without disrupting the soil, is considered a hallmark of conservation in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation For Sale: Connecting Heartland Farmers with Sustainable Ag

HARLAN, Iowa -- The effects of climate change are laid out in a new United Nations report, which pointed to greenhouse gas emissions. While global …

The medical community warns that every American's health is at risk due to climate change, but children, seniors and many communities of color are among those at greater risk. (Adobe Stock)

Personal Health, Medical Costs Tied to Climate-Change Discussion

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Climate change might conjure up images of wildfires or dried up rivers out West, but an Iowa doctor is joining her counterparts …

The Shell Rock River Watershed Management Coalition is the latest voluntary group of local governments and other agencies in Iowa to join a patchwork of similar alliances devising flood prevention strategies. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Hot and Dry, But Flood Prevention Efforts Continue

SHELL ROCK, Iowa -- Scorching temperatures with little rain might not prompt public fears about flooding, but that isn't stopping leaders in …

Iowa has more than 10,000 factory farms, up from fewer than 800 in 2001. (agnormark/Adobe Stock)

Rural Iowa Communities Urge More Factory-Farm Regulations

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Advocates for family farms, rural neighborhoods and the environment are asking Iowa lawmakers to find a more equitable balance …

More than 40% of Iowa's power comes from wind energy. (shaiith/Adobe Stock)

Knowing Wind Farms' Limits Can Help Prevent Utility Disruptions

DES MOINES, Iowa - As scientists warn that the increase in extreme weather events shows no signs of stopping, experts say it's important as ever to …

About 9% of the population globally is food insecure. (tong2530/Adobe Stock)

Expert: Global Food Supply Could Benefit From Rejoining Climate Pact

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The United States recently rejoined the Paris climate agreement, a move that followed the Biden administration's immediate …

This year, at least 70% of Iowa's solar tax credit is being used to reimburse customers on a waiting list. (Adobe Stock)

Expanding IA's Solar Tax Credit Seen as Economic Boost During Crisis

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa hasn't seen as much economic pain as some other states during the pandemic, but many residents and small businesses are …

An analysis done for the Iowa Policy Project says extreme heat could leave residents in rural areas with worsening health conditions in future years, especially for those who work outside. (Adobe Stock)

IA Doctors: Climate Change Takes Toll on Patient Health

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- More than 4,000 medical professionals from across the country are demanding policy action on climate change. The coalition …

Researchers say with relaxed auto-emissions standards in the U.S., more than 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions will come from cars built under a weaker rule. (Adobe Stock)

IA Leaders Renew Calls for Restablishing Clean Car Standards

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa continues to see the harmful effects of climate change, according to environmental advocates and Democratic elected …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iowa's wind turbines generated 42% of the state's electricity in 2019, the highest wind-power share for any state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Careful Approach Needed for Wind Farm Rules

DES MOINES, Iowa - The wind-energy industry has a strong presence in states such as Iowa. But for more projects to move forward, a new report says …

At a time when the nation is dealing with a pandemic, environmental groups say the Trump administration creates a risk of more premature deaths by weakening auto-emission standards. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Contend Rolling Back Auto Emission Standards will Hurt IA

DES MOINES, Iowa. -- Environmental groups say Iowa residents will feel the harmful effects of weaker auto-emission standards now moving forward under …

The Iowa Flood Center says until landscape management plans become better established, the state will continue to see significant floods in the years to come. (Adobe Stock)

Researcher: IA Flood Forecasts Becoming the Norm

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Government forecasters are warning that Iowa is in store for more significant flooding this spring. A state researcher says these …

In 2019, Iowa farmers were unable to plant a record 460,000 acres of crops due to flooding and heavy rains. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Severe Weather Threatens Iowa's Competitive Advantages

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa is no stranger to flooding, tornadoes and other extreme weather events, which a new report says are threatening the state's …

A recent Climate Nexus poll found 7 in 10 Iowa voters support government action that addresses climate change. (Practical Farmers of Iowa)

Survey: Rural Iowans Want Candidates to Address Climate Change

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As presidential hopefuls make their final pitches to Iowans before the upcoming caucuses, rural residents say they want to hear …

Missouri River flooding in 2019 brought devastation to Iowa and neighboring states. (iihr.uiowa.edu)

Report: Climate Change Will Bring More Flooding to Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - An updated guide from the National Wildlife Federation says Iowa remains vulnerable to flooding brought on by climate change…

The 2018 farm bill increased the payment level for practices such as cover crops, advanced grazing management and resource-conserving crop rotations. (iowabeefcenter.org)

Deadline Nears to Comment on Conservation Stewardship Program Changes

DES MOINES, Iowa — Farmers who want to weigh-in on changes to the nation's Conservation Stewardship Program have five weeks to submit comments …

Toasting to productive conversations? More than half of Americans say talking politics with people they disagree with can be stressful and frustrating, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey. (Rice University)

Turkey Day Talking Points to Tackle Tough Environmental Topics

DES MOINES, Iowa – It's that time of year when the abundance of news stories can either prompt or discourage difficult discussions over the …

Advocates of conservation practices to control soil erosion and improve water quality say federal policy makers should do more to help farmers adopt these measures. (crops.extension.lastate.edu)

Report: Policymakers Must Address Climate-Change Threats to Farmers

DES MOINES, Iowa – Extreme rain events and wide swings in temperatures are just some of the threats of climate change facing Iowa farmers…

Severe flooding in March caused levees to fail along the Missouri River in Iowa, resulting in overall damages of $2 billion. (noaa.edu)

Will Rollback of Pollution Regulations Accelerate Iowa Climate Change?

DES MOINES, Iowa – In recent years, Iowa has experienced record level flooding, devastating droughts and rising temperatures attributed to …

Adopting no-till farming practices to improve soil texture and structure has helped Iowa farmer Loran Steinlage adapt to weather extremes. (landstewardshipproject.org)

Iowa Famers Put Soil Health Front and Center

DES MOINES, Iowa – Demonstrating best practices for improving soil health and water quality has been front and center for many Iowa farmers …

A new poll from Iowa State University shows Sen. Elizabeth Warren was the top choice of 24% of likely Iowa caucus-goers. (peoplesaction.org)

Iowa CCI: No Bland Presidential Stump Speeches Allowed

DES MOINES, Iowa – Four Democratic presidential candidates have been confirmed for The People's Presidential Forum in Des Moines this weekend…

Some Iowa farmers are diversifying operations by growing chestnut trees, finding a strong market demand and a high profit potential per acre. (chestnutfestival.org)

Iowa Chestnut Growers Combine Past and Future for New Crop

DES MOINES, Iowa – For generations, Iowa's predictable weather has allowed farmers to specialize in two crops – corn and soybeans…

As Florida prepares for another hurricane, a majority of registered voters nationwide say climate change is an emergency, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. (12019/Pixabay)

Poll: Majority of U.S. Voters Call Climate Change an 'Emergency'

DES MOINES, Iowa – A hurricane bearing down on Florida and massive fires in the Amazon rainforest are stark reminders about the changing …

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IA: Climate Change