The following is from an information sheet that is being distributed to Legislators about Iowa Sierra Club. For those of you visiting the Capitol on March 4 for the environmental lobby day, this listing might be useful. Jane Clark Chair, Iowa Chapter The Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club The Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club has more than 5,500 members throughout the state, with Groups based in the following cities: Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Fairfield, Iowa City, the Quad Cities, and Sioux City. Legislative Priorities We have legislative priorities in six issue areas: Loess Hills We would like to see a change in the composition of the Loess Hills Alliance, to broaden membership to groups outside of the region. Funding should be restored to protect the Loess Hills. Loess soil is currently exempted from soil mining restrictions. This needs to be changed. Water Quality and CAFOs The "credible data law" needs to be changed, so IDNR can completely and adequately assess water quality in Iowa. Funding is needed for IDNR to adequately address issues related to floodplains in SF2293. Energy Iowa needs a Renewable Energy Standard of 10% by 2010 and 20% by 2020. Efforts should be made to address further efficiency and conservation measures that can be made by state, residential, business, and industrial customers. Funding for Environmental and Conservation Programs Spending 2% of the state's budget on conservation efforts is essential if people are going to choose to live, work, and play in Iowa. Land Use Iowa needs comprehensive land use planning legislation. Environmental/conservation interests, as well as agricultural interests, should be included on state and local decision-making boards. Non-game Funding The IDNR needs state funding to leverage federal funding. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ More about the Club Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club promotes sustainable choices for Iowa's future, by supporting policy initiatives that: - Protect Iowa's natural areas from litter, by expanding the bottle bill to include more types of containers. - Protect Iowa's surface water for its many uses: fishing, swimming, and drinking water. - Protect Iowa's rural communities from the pollution potential and health hazards of concentrated animal feeding operations. - Protect Iowa farmland and natural areas from urban sprawl and detrimental transportation plans. - Protect the biodiversity of Iowa by encouraging inventories of natural areas, prohibiting commercial logging in state parks, and expanding and funding nongame wildlife programs. - Protect the very special natural places in Iowa, including the Loess Hills, and the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. We also perform an important role in educating Iowans concerning: - Our need to reduce fossil fuel consumption while increasing the use of renewable energy produced in Iowa such as wind, solar, and biomass. - The potential dangers of genetically engineered food production and the need for more research to ensure the safety and diversity of our seed banks, the safety of our food, and the safety of natural systems and organisms. Since 1973, Iowa Sierra Club has been working to explore, enjoy, and protect Iowa's natural environment. We do this by: -Undertaking restoration work in parks, preserves, prairies, and other natural areas. -Educating fellow Iowans about the importance of protecting our natural heritage. -Monitoring water quality in our streams and rivers. -Talking with our local, state, and national elected officials. -Endorsing political candidates. -Contacting local, state and federal agencies on natural resource issues. Please join us in our pursuit to make Iowa an even better place to live! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]