Senate approves renewable energy development fund
The $100 million initiative aims to spur research and development.

By JONATHAN ROOS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER


An effort to spur development of Iowa's renewable energy industry and help 
wean the state from its dependence on imported oil is gathering a head of 
steam in the Legislature.

The Senate on Thursday approved the creation of a $100 million Iowa Power 
Fund.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/NEWS10/704200390/-1/archive
-----------

Rain garden trend takes root in Clive
Area east of public library will absorb storm runoff

By JARED STRONG
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

One of the country's fastest-growing landscaping trends is coming to Clive.

Work began this week to prepare the area just east of the public library for 
a rain garden, an environmentally friendly way to absorb water runoff during 
storms.

The garden will replace an existing detention pond.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/NEWS/704200317/-1/archive
------------

MidAmerican pledges to jolt Iowa's wind power production
Among many turbines to be built, expect one at the Iowa State Fairgrounds 
this year. But first, the utilities board must approve.

By WILLIAM RYBERG
REGISTER BUSINESS WRITER

MidAmerican Energy announced plans Thursday to nearly double its capacity to 
produce electricity in Iowa with wind turbine power.

The investment could approach nearly $1 billion, said Greg Abel, president 
of Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/BUSINESS/704200425/1029/archive
--------------

Reduction is urged in ethanol tax credits
By DONNELLE ELLER
Register Business Writer

Economic development leaders wrestled Thursday with how much Iowa should 
provide to renewable-fuels projects, facing a proposal to cut tax breaks in 
half for the state's burgeoning ethanol industry,

In the end, the Iowa Economic Development Board delayed the decision, saying 
it needed more information.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/BUSINESS/704200370/1029/archive
-------------

Willowglobe symbolizes Earth Day
Arboretum conserves Iowa's biodiversity

By MICHAEL MORAIN
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

Last week's sleet didn't slow down Kay Meyer.

As she hauled a bundle of willow saplings from the back of her van, she 
nodded at a pair of mud-caked boots behind the back seat.

"The boots say it all," said Meyer, who lives in Perry.

Earlier that morning she had tramped along the soggy banks of the Raccoon 
River to collect the saplings she and a team of helpers are weaving into a 
12-foot sphere at the Brenton Arboretum, a few miles south of Dallas Center.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/ENT01/704200364/1046/archive
-----------

Another one I missed on Thursday:

At least shield tourism areas from confinement odors
REGISTER EDITORIAL BOARD

You would think everyone could agree on protecting tourism destinations, 
such as Iowa's Great Lakes, from the stench of livestock confinements.

Yet House File 873, which would help do that, is stuck in the Ways and Means 
Committee. It's also controversial because it would increase separation 
distances between new and expanding livestock operations and homes, schools 
and churches.

http://dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070419/OPINION03/704190360/1035/archive

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]

Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship
e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's
latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent
editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/