From our Rural Advocacy friends,
Don & Mary Klauke
Archdiocese of Dubuque Rural Life Office
Dorchester, IA 52140-7505

Dear Friends of Rural Life,

The Iowa House passed a bill HF 2523 which we believe is not good for
the people of Iowa. We encourage you to consider the bill and to call your
Senator (515/281-3371) to let him or her know what you think. Also, call
Governor Vilsack at (515/281-5211) with your message to help him decide
whether to sign the bill if it gets to his desk.
or send an e-mail to the Governor at:
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[The Iowa House of Representatives voted on HF2523 and passed the bill out
of committee. The Senate has yet to vote on their air quality bill (SF
2267), and needs your input.]

We have concerns that the bill puts polluting businesses before the health
of people and the environment and that it restricts local control.

HF 2523 is listed as, "an act providing for the regulation of air quality,
and making penalties applicable."

That, in itself may sound good, but the bill actually reduces the ability
to enforce air quality regulation in the state. It sets numerical
standards and methods of testing that are constantly  being studied and
upgraded. These should be part of a rules making process rather than part
of the Code of Law.

The bill prohibits making rules or regulations not already within the
rules of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, preventing the state
from addressing air quality issues unique to the state of Iowa. It also
requires more years of data gathering before letting even these very
lenient standards go into effect.

If you have access to the Iowa Farmer Today for Saturday, March 20, you
may read a PRO (by Rep. Greiner) and CON (by Rep. Kuhn) opinion to help
you decide how to ask your Senator to vote on the issue.

Because we need to get this to you quickly, we're not including a detailed
background piece. However, please feel free to contact us for more
information.

Thank you,
Don & Mary

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
For information on Environment, Local Food Systems, and  Farm Policy, see
the Rural Life section of Archdiocese of Dubuque web page -
www.arch.pvt.k12.ia.us/rural.htm
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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