LEGISLATORS' LISTENING SESSION ON NATURAL RESOURCES SET FOR DES MOINES

Iowa's natural resource priorities will be the topic of a listening session sponsored by state legislators on Thursday, March 14, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Drake University's Sheslow Auditorium, 2701 University Avenue. This event was rescheduled from a February date that was snowed out.

The meeting is being co-hosted by State Senator Dick Dearden of Des Moines, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and State Rep. Chuck Isenhart of Dubuque, ranking member of the House Environmental Protection Committee. State representatives Ako Abdul-Samad, Marti Anderson and Scott Ourth will also be on hand. Others may also attend.

Interested groups and the public are welcome to testify on conservation, climate, energy, environment and related issues, including outdoor recreation and state parks.

"We are still setting our agenda for the next two years," lsenhart said. "This is a chance for people who care about sustainable development and stewardship of our natural heritage to let us know what should be on our legislative to-do list so we can best serve the public interest," according to Isenhart. "For example, one of my questions is how can we make infrastructure investments in and create jobs through the production and use of all kinds of renewable energy."

According to Dearden, the committees are also looking for input on clean water, clean air, soil, wildlife, wetlands, habitat, rivers, lakes and trails.

The session is the sixth in a series of meetings around the state, including January 9 in Dubuque, January 17 in Carroll, January 19 in Marion, January 24 in Ames and January 31 in Fairfield.

Anyone may testify. Priority will be given to people who sign up in advance and those speaking for a group. Written input will also be collected for sharing with other legislators. To sign up, email [log in to unmask] or call 515-281-6311.

The 2013 legislative session convened on January 14 and lasts through April.