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/