Rally for Conservation!
By Lynn Laws, Communications Director, Iowa Environmental Council
Join others at the Statehouse on April 9!
Please join other Iowans for a rally at the statehouse, in Des Moines, on April 9, to advocate in support of SJR-2002, the bill to establish a constitutionally-protected trust fund for natural resouces and outdoor recreation in Iowa.
For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to protect and enhance Iowa's natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are serious unmet needs before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife.
This bill, SJR 2002 (formerly SSB 3250), is an important initial step helping us reverse this trend. It begins the process of establishing a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation by amending Iowa's constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa's sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance water quality, natural areas, including parks and trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil conservation.
The fund would be constitutionally protected in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose.
SJR 2002 is the result of two years of research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the state's leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates.
It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn't do...
What it does
• It ensures that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our state's natural resources
What it doesn't do
• This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax-only the legislature can do that.
• Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding
This constitutional amendment is a promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails. It's our promise that Iowa's natural resources will be here for future generations. I hope you can join us at the rally.
Rally participants must first meet in the auditorium of the State Historical Bldg., at 9:30 a.m., April 9, to receive information and to talk about how to discuss this bill with Legislators. After that, we'll go up the Hill to the Capitol so that folks can speak face to face with their Representatives. It would be great to have folks from all 100 House districts. We are hoping to involve a minimum of 200 Iowans----the more the better.
If you are unable to get to Des Moines for the morning, please consider calling your Representative that day to encourage him or her to support this legislation.
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Thursday, March 27
Rally for Conservation!
by
Sam Garchik
on Thu 27 Mar 2008 01:00 PM CDT
Tuesday, March 25
URGENT -- Your call or email needed TODAY: Funding for Natural Resources Facing Stiff Opposition in Iowa House
by
Sam Garchik
on Tue 25 Mar 2008 08:56 AM CDT
URGENT -- Your call or email needed TODAY: Funding for Natural Resources Facing Stiff Opposition in Iowa House
By Leigh Adcock Take Action! Please Call or Email Your Representative Today! SJR 2002, a bill which establishes a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation, passed the House Natural Resources Committee on March 24, and will be up for a vote in the House as early as Wednesday, March 26. Your calls, emails and letters to your Representatives are needed NOW. For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to protect and enhance Iowa's natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are serious unmet needs before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife. This bill, SJR 2002, is an important initial step helping us reverse this trend. It establishes a trust fund to protect our natural resources and invest in outdoor recreation by amending Iowa's constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa's sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance water quality, natural areas including parks and trails, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil conservation. The fund would be constitutionally protected in the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose. SJR 2002 is the result of two years of research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the state's leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates. It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn't do... What it does * It ensures that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our state's natural resources What it doesn't do * This bill does not raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax-only the legislature can do that. * Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding This bill was has already passed the Senate, but is facing stiff opposition in the House. Please call or email your representative today and tell him or her that this constitutional amendment is a promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails. It's our promise that Iowa's natural resources will be here for future generations. Friday, March 21
Let’s Be Number One: Improving Iowa’s Utility-Run Energy Efficiency Programs
by
Sam Garchik
on Fri 21 Mar 2008 08:54 AM CDT
Let’s Be Number One: Improving Iowa’s Utility-Run Energy Efficiency Programs
By Andrew Johnson and Teresa Galluzzo, The Iowa Policy Project Electricity is such an integral part of our lives that we may rarely give a thought to the number of things we plug in and turn on each day. Now, however, thinking about our electricity use is vital. Our spiraling consumption of energy from fossil fuel sources is seriously affecting our climate and our pocketbooks. This report describes Iowa’s electrical consumption and production and focuses on the role energy efficiency (EE) can and must play in Iowa’s future. It describes Iowa’s laudable efforts to invest in EE through utility-run programs and make suggestions for how to effectively carry these efforts further. Iowa’s Electricity Consumption Iowa’s electricity sales per capita are higher than the nation’s, our neighboring states, and states that are leaders in EE. Without aggressive action, this will likely remain the case, because our consumption has also been growing faster than each of these other groups of states. From 2000 to 2006, Iowa’s retail sales of electricity increased by an average of 1.5 percent. The nation’s average growth was 0.2 percent, Iowa’s neighboring states averaged 1.2 percent, and leading EE states averaged 0.3 percent. Iowa’s Electricity Production Coal is Iowa’s primary source of electricity generation. In 2006, more than 75 percent of Iowa’s electricity was generated from burning coal. Iowa is considerably more dependent on coal than the rest of the nation; the national average was 49 percent. In recent years Iowa has diversified its power sources. Although still a small portion of our electricity production, renewable sources have been a major growth spot in our generation mix. The Role of Energy Efficiency at the State Level Iowa’s electricity demand is forecasted to continue increasing. But the realities of fossil fuel costs and climate change mean Iowa needs to reduce its electricity use from fossil fuel sources. Expanding our EE investments can have large, nearly immediate and economically beneficial impacts. Iowa was an early leader in EE. In 1990 Iowa passed a landmark law requiring the state’s investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to offer EE programs for all types of customers: residential, commercial and industrial. The law also requires Iowa’s municipal electric utilities (Munis) and rural electric cooperatives (RECs) to offer EE programs to their customers, but these programs do not have to be reviewed or approved. In 2006, the IOUs’ programs yielded a 0.8 percent retail energy savings, the Munis saved 0.15 percent and the RECs saved 0.6 percent. Electric Utilities Energy Efficiency Efforts (2006) Iowa’s long tradition of EE is a significant and proud accomplishment. However, Iowa is not meeting some of its stated efficiency goals. The 2001 Energy Policy Task Force convened by then-Governor Tom Vilsack, had the goal of meeting all of Iowa’s future energy demand by increasing EE rather than increasing supply. More recently Governor Culver signed the Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform, calling for meeting at least 2 percent of annual retail sales of natural gas and electricity through EE improvements by 2015 and an additional 2 percent annual savings thereafter. Similarly, the legislatively appointed 2007 Energy Efficiency Study Committee suggested increasing annual energy savings to 1.5 percent of retail sales by 2012. Due to recent lack of federal action on EE, states across the nation are increasing their EE efforts. Overall, states are spending about three times as much as the federal government on efficiency programs. Some of Iowa’s neighboring states in particular have become leaders, outpacing our efforts. Minnesota, which has an electrical system similar to Iowa’s, not only spends more than Iowa on efficiency efforts per capita, but in 2006 Governor Tim Pawlenty called for 1.5 percent per year savings of electric sales, 1 percent of which must come from EE. Given Iowa’s yet unmet efficiency goals and the fact that states are increasing their efforts and providing us with examples of big EE accomplishments, Iowa needs to seize this opportunity to become an even more energy efficient state. To do this, we must first address shortcomings in our existing programs. Shortcomings in Iowa’s Utility-Based EE Efforts • Programs are Confusing, Inconsistent and Not Universally Available Each of Iowa’s 183 electric utilities runs its own EE programs with a separate set of offerings. As a result, Iowa’s EE effort is sorely lacking in comprehensiveness. Many of the EE measures with the greatest potential for savings are unavailable to many Iowans. If available, utilities’ energy audits are not comprehensive or standard. Financial assistance and advice is generally available only for efficiency upgrades that pertain to the type of energy provided by the utility. For example, gas utilities do not provide compact fluorescent light bulbs. • Utilities’ Duplication of Program Administration Costs Money Each of Iowa’s utilities is charged with developing, promoting, administering and evaluating its own EE programs. There is significant duplication of effort, and therefore a great deal of potential cost savings. Iowa’s two electric IOUs spent an average of 27 percent of their total efficiency spending on costs other than EE incentives. More than 50 percent of Munis’ and RECs’ spending was not for incentives. • Utilities Do Not Have Incentive to Push EE There is an inherent conflict of interest when a utility is required to encourage its customers to buy less electricity (and hence reduce revenue), and yet is also expected to lead in developing innovative and increasingly effective ways to maximize those lost sales. This fundamental conflict has caused many states to take different approaches to the administration of state-level EE programs such as third-party private or public administration or a regional administration. Others have rewarded utilities for meeting higher EE goals. • Utilities and State Policy Fail to Prioritize EE Traditionally, growing electricity demand has been met through increasing supply. Recently, some states have turned to demand-side management to offset demand growth. These states have begun to think of EE as a resource and planned for acquiring efficiency rather than generation. Iowa’s utilities do not treat EE as a resource on par with supply resources. Iowa does not have a statewide EE resource standard nor a requirement that utilities take advantage of cost-effective EE potential. And there is no requirement that Iowa utilities first acquire efficiency potential before pursuing supply-side resources to meet future power demands. • Misplaced Emphasis on Peak Load Management Load management is designed to reduce peak load use during the few times when energy demand is high and delivery system reliability is in jeopardy. In 2006, Iowa IOUs spent over $35 million on electric load management, significantly more than any of the other 20 states that implement load management. Load management is an important component of utility planning efforts, and effective programs save both utility and ratepayer dollars. However, load management likely fails to reduce overall energy use or greenhouse gas emissions, and can actually increase both. It also seriously bloats our efficiency spending per capita, ballooning the overall size/cost of the program and making it difficult to place reasonable expectations on improvement and growth in the true efficiency programs. Whereas load response provides economic savings but little, if any, energy savings, EE can provide both quite effectively. The deficiencies in these programs are reflected in the smaller amount of EE savings Iowa has achieved compared to leading states. In 2000 and 2001 top EE states were achieving electrical EE savings of 0.7 percent to 2 percent of retail sales. During the same period Iowa achieved 0.4 percent annual savings. In recent years, increased spending has brought Iowa’s IOUs savings up substantially to 0.8 percent. However, other states are now aggressively moving toward 1.5 percent to 2 percent annual savings. Recommendations Iowa has the potential to move beyond these shortcomings, and more efficiently invest in its EE programs so that our state realizes its true efficiency potential. Other states across the country, including our neighbors are making big strides and Iowa should too. Other states’ experiences demonstrate that greatest progress in statewide efficiency programs come with some form of third-party administration. We recommend the current rate surcharge be replaced by a uniform public benefits charge on all ratepayers, and the bulk of the resulting public benefits fund be used to establish a third-party, comprehensive, statewide energy efficiency program. We recommend directing a percentage (starting at 10 percent and rising over time) of the public benefits fund towards a coordinated, guided matching grant program for local (countywide) EE initiatives to harness the power of local creativity, community pride, economic self-interest and personal responsibility. In addition, we recommend Iowa’s leaders think boldly and establish policies that meet the following principles: • Align EE, renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals with utility financial interests through legislative and administrative actions. • Provide universal and comprehensive EE and renewable energy programs and services to all Iowa residents through a public benefits fund created from sales on all energy sources. • Treat EE as a resource in an integrated resource planning process, establish aggressive EE and renewable energy standards, and require all cost-effective EE and renewable energy be acquired prior to new fossil fuel generation. • Set aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals, and incorporate them into all energy-related planning and programs, including peak load management programs and the prioritization and cost-benefit analyses for statewide EE. • Ensure just and fair policy effects and implementation across the economic spectrum. For the full report, see www.iowapolicyproject.org The Iowa Policy Project was founded in 2001 to promote public policy that fosters economic opportunity while safeguarding the health and well-being of Iowa’s people and the environment. By providing a foundation of fact-based, objective research and engaging the public in an informed discussion of policy alternatives, IPP advances accountable, effective and fair government. The Iowa Policy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information, see our website or call (319) 338-0773. Saturday, March 15
Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Dedicate Funding for Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources
by
Sam Garchik
on Sat 15 Mar 2008 09:00 AM CDT
Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Dedicate Funding for Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources
By The Iowa Environmental Council For many years, Iowa has failed to commit the funds necessary to truly protect and enhance Iowa’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities. Serious needs must be met before Iowa will have healthy water, land and wildlife. For two years, we’ve been involved in research and study led by bi-partisan members of the Iowa legislature along with many of the state’s leading conservation, environmental, sportsmen, and agriculture advocates. IFU board member Marvin Shirley of Minburn has attended these meetings and given input from the viewpoint of family farmers. Senate Joint Resolution 2002 reflects this committee’s unanimous recommendation for providing essential, stable state funding for natural resources. This bill begins the process to amend Iowa’s constitution to guarantee that revenue generated by the next 3/8 of one cent increase in Iowa’s sales tax must be dedicated to protect and enhance: o Water quality, o Natural areas including parks and trails, o Fish and wildlife habitat, and o Conserving agricultural soils. This funding would be constitutionally protected in the “Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.” The Fund must be audited annually and cannot be spent for any other purpose. The trust fund would provide funds for the work of many state and local conservation agencies as well as non-profits. It is important to understand what this legislation does and what it doesn’t do: o This bill DOES start the process to ensure that IF the legislature raises the sales tax, the first 3/8 of a cent must be dedicated to enhancing our state’s natural resources o This bill DOES NOT raise taxes, nor does it give voters the ability to raise the sales tax—only the legislature can do that. Even if this constitutional amendment is adopted, only the legislature can approve the sales tax increase that would be needed to provide funding If you’d like to support this measure, here’s what’s needed: SJR 2002 passed the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee unanimously last week. It will soon be eligible for debate by the full Senate. You can contact your state Senator now and ask for their vote. A sample note is below. Please REPLY to this email to let us know if you contact your Senator and what response you receive. The coalition promoting this measure is trying to track results. After passage by the Senate, the bill will be considered by the House Natural Resources Committee. The committee members are listed at http://www3.legis.state.ia.us/ga/committee.do?id=28 . You can contact them to express your support. These are just first steps in a long process. If the measure passes the Iowa Legislature this year, it must also pass again next year and then approved by voters statewide before it becomes part of the Iowa constitution. To remain active in this process, please go to the Iowa Environmental Council website at www.iaenvironment.org: - Choose the “I-CALL” icon on the left navigation bar (blue), then “Join Our Action Network” to sign up for action alerts as the legislation progresses plus alerts on other conservation funding measures. - The I-CALL page also has a handy tool to help you identify and contact your Iowa senator and representative from your district. Continuing, fresh news on the progress of this legislation can be found at http://www.iaenvironment.org/conservationspending.php. To see the text of SJR 2002, use the search function found at http://www.legis.state.ia.us under “Track Legislation.” The link may take you directly to the bill’s text: Sample note to your legislators: Dear Senator/Representative, Please support SJR 2002 to dedicate funding for Iowa’s natural resources. The bill was approved unanimously by the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee and soon will be eligible for debate in the Iowa Senate. SJR 2002 creates a constitutionally protected Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. It is critical that Iowa improve its water quality, provide natural areas including parks and trails, protect fish and wildlife habitat and conserve precious soils. For two years, a bipartisan committee created by the legislature that includes Iowa’s leading agriculture, outdoor, wildlife, and natural resources advocates studied needs and options. They unanimously recommend dedication of 3/8 cent of the next sales tax increase for Iowa’s natural resources. This constitutional amendment is our promise to Iowans of healthier water quality and wildlife and a top-notch system of parks and trails. Your support of this measure this year is critical. This is so important to Iowa and our future — and so important to me as an Iowan. Sincerely, Saturday, March 8
The Iowa Global Warming campaign is back for 2008!
by
Sam Garchik
on Sat 08 Mar 2008 11:11 AM CST
The Iowa Global Warming Campaign
By Mike Carberry After
a short hiatus, Iowa Global Warming is back to work and starting our
2008 campaign. After a successful 2007, in which most of the
presidential candidates took increasingly strong positions on global
warming, we are expanding our work to include state and local policies
as well. Our goals are: - To get people involved as effectively and easily as possible, even if you only have a minute to give. - To create a 'buzz' for global warming solutions through public events, word of mouth and media attention. - To provide opportunities to get together, meet new people and have fun. - And most importantly to make sure that our elected officials make global warming solutions a priority! In that spirit, you are invited to Iowa Global Warmings official campaign kickoff on St. Patrick's Day - 'You don't have to be Irish to go Green'. Free admission to see 'Leonardo DiCaprios The 11th Hour'. For more info on the film go to the website: www.11thHourFilm.com Details: The 11th
Hour global warming documentary produced and narrated by Leonardo
DiCaprio. Monday, March 17 from 6:30 9:00 pm @ Billy Joes Picture
Show, 1701 25th St., West Des Moines. Free Admission, Free Appetizers, Free Popcorn and Beverages. Food and Drink Specials. Iowa
Global Warming is here to help; so if you have a question or want to
get involved, please give us a call or send us an email. We will always
try to get back to you as soon as possible. And of course, you can
visit our website: www.iowaglobalwarming.org Thank you for your support of our campaign. We're looking forward to a great year of making Global Warming Solutions a priority! Andrew Snow Iowa Global Warming 521 E. Locust St, suite 220 Des Moines, IA 50311 515.244.1194 x209 Mike Carberry Iowa Global Warming 2029 Friendship St. Iowa City, IA 52245 319.338.8820 mcarberry@iowaglobalwarming.org |
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