LISTSERV - IOWA-TOPICS Archives - LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG

February 27, 2007

Governor Facing Critical Decision on Environmental Watchdogs

In just over two weeks Governor Culver either has to reappoint four of the nine members of the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission -- or pick new faces. Bloomfield Farmer Gary Klicker is concerned changes on the commission might undo the state's progress on improving water quality.

Suggested script: By March 15th Governor Culver has to decide if he wants to make any changes on the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission -- the chief environmental rule making body for the state. Gary Klicker, a Bloomfield livestock producer and member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, says the Governor's decision is crucial to the state's natural resources.

"What is at stake for Iowa is clean water. The present commissioners have been working very hard to improve the water quality in the state of Iowa."

Klicker says the current members have done a good job protecting Iowa's water quality -- by passing a new Water Protection Rule, referring polluters to the Iowa Attorney General's office, and denying permits to factory farmers due to water quality concerns.
* * *
Klicker says with four members of the nine member commission up for either reappointment or replacement, new people could completely change the direction the commission has taken in recent years.

"You could completely change the make up of the board by appointing different people to it. They can go toward more stringent or lenient rules in either direction."