Sunday, March 4, 2007

Bill would revise water pollution regulations
The legislation would strip Iowa's Environmental Protection Commission of 
much of its power, critics say.

By PERRY BEEMAN
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

Proposed legislation backed by Iowa farm interests would overhaul the way 
the state deals with water pollution.

Supporters of the legislation, including the politically powerful Iowa Farm 
Bureau Federation, say the legislation would put into law a host of 
recommendations from various task forces that were discussed by 
environmental groups, agriculture groups and state regulators in recent 
years.


http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/NEWS10/703040348/-1/archive

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Conservation tax proposal riles farmers, Iowa experts
IRS wants 15.3% tax on CRP payments even if landowners don't look after farm

By JERRY PERKINS
REGISTER FARM EDITOR

Two Iowa tax law experts criticize the Internal Revenue Service for 
proposing that self-employment taxes be levied on Conservation Reserve 
Program payments received by landowners who don't take an active role in a 
farming business.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/BUSINESS01/703040334/1029/archive

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Clinton to back ethanol in Iowa
Stance shift makes critics wary; others laud willingness to change

By THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is scheduled to return to 
Iowa today, in part to promote a campaign proposal encouraging ethanol 
production - a concept she once vigorously opposed in the U.S. Senate.

After voting to block incentives for the corn-based fuel additive, the New 
York senator now hails Iowa's chief contribution to the renewable fuel 
movement, and she suggested last week that an ethanol tax credit be 
extended.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/NEWS09/703040347/-1/archive
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'Geezers' enjoy pure outdoors, too


The financial impact of failing to adequately fund Resource Enhancement and 
Protection (REAP) and related programs goes far beyond loss of tourism 
dollars ("Finally, Let's Do Right by Outdoors Funding," Feb. 25 editorial).

Much has already been written about young people leaving the state, but I 
submit that there will also be a "geezer" drain due to lack of outdoor 
recreation.

This is one boomer who will not spend retirement in a state with dead lakes 
and rivers.

To keep retirees here spending their money, the water will have to be 
cleaned up, fish hatcheries built and new hiking/biking trails constructed.

- Jeff Clingan,
Van Meter.

--------------------

People need a voice in hog-farm siting


Gary Boswell fans the flames of rural terrorism even as he writs to decry it 
("Rural Terrorism Has To Stop," Feb. 18 letter).

"The violence is meant to threaten and intimidate [livestock] producers," he 
contends.

What about the destruction of rural Iowans' quality of life - foul water, 
sagging property values, unbreathable air and germs that defy antibiotics?

Until the Legislature gives Iowans local control over the siting of factory 
farms, the Iowa countryside will continue to boil over with anger.

Violence can be condoned by no one. But it can erupt when people's right to 
a democratic voice is so seriously thwarted. Local control is that voice.

Legislators, act!
- Marian Kuper,
Ackley.

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