May 1, 2008

ENERGY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

With the end of the legislative session, I just wanted to send you a quick update to list what I consider some of the major accomplishments for better energy and environmental policy in 2008.  I also wanted to let you know about some upcoming events in which you might be interested.

ENERGY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1.  Provide additional $25 million for Iowa Power Fund for alternative energy and energy efficiency research

2.  Provide additional production tax credits for wind projects (SF2405)

3.  Authorize utilities board to track and verify the sales of "green tags" for renewable electricity (SF2405)

4.  Direct utilities to assess expansion of energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts (SF2386)

5.  Direct state building code commissioner to develop "green building" standards (SF2386)

6.  Make the state's building energy code applicable statewide, revitalize "energy bank" program (SF517)

7.  Allow schools to use their physical plant levy for energy saving improvements (HF2364)

8.  Mass transit and public transit funding studies (SF2425/SF2420/SF2432)

9.  Provide $300,000 toward an Amtrak depot and platform in Dubuque (SF2432)

10.  Expand state assistance for biodiesel and "motor fuel blender pumps" (HF2689)

11.  Establish $500,000 "sustainable communities" economic development program (HF2699)

12.  Provide new tax credits for "green" development projects in brownfields (HF2687)

ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1.  $18 million total for the REAP program - the highest level since 1991 (HF2662/SF2432)

2.  Tax credits of up to 50% for charitable contributions of land for conservation purposes (HF2700)

3.  First passage of a proposed constitutional amendment for a natural resources trust fund (SJR2002)

4.  Provide $5 million for additional watershed improvement grants (SF2432)

5.  Other clean water and soil conservation funding including wastewater assistance (SF2432/HF2662)

6.  Bottle bill and recycling expansion study task force (HF2570)

7.  Up to $1 million in grants for independent bottle and can redemption centers (HF2700)

8.  Establish water resources coordinating council in the Governor's office (HF2400)

9.  Require recycling of used oil filters (HF2668)

10.  Prohibit sales of thermometers containing mercury (HF2669)

11.  Require out-of-state aerial sprayers to obtain Iowa licenses including financial responsibility (HF2551)

12.  Require time-of-sale inspections and repairs to septic tanks (SF261)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, May 3 - The Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, is hosting its annual plant sale.  Call 362-0664 for more information

Monday, May 5 - The Audubon Society is meeting at People's Church on 6th Street SE at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6 - The Cedar Wapsi Group of the Sierra Club is meeting at the C.R. Library at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 18 - The "Great America Cleanup" in Cedar Rapids will take place from 8 a.m. to noon.  For more information, visit www.litterfreelinncounty.org or call Stacie Johnson at 377-5290 ext. 108.

Thursday, June 12 - The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council is meeting at the Holiday Inn at Ameristar in Council Bluffs.  For more information, visit www.iaclimatechange.us.

I hope this information is helpful.  Please contact me with any questions or suggestions.

Rob

State Senator Rob Hogg

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 242-5049 (direct)

(515) 281-3371 (switchboard)

rob.hogg@legis.state.ia.us