In Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature, environmental groups look for niche issues that could get bipartisan support. These include soil health, digesters and state parks funding.
For 12 years, Iowans have been waiting for the state Legislature to finance the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, a sales-tax supported fund for clean water, productive agricultural
Researchers say investing in renewable energy is vital to staving off the worst impacts of climate change. But a utility-scale solar project in Linn County is drawing opposition from some residents who are opposed to the development being built on farmland.
Despite assurances from county planning and development staff, the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended denying a proposed solar farm near Coggon. A final decision will come from the Board of Supervisors.