Children are particularly vulnerable to lead as there is no safe level of exposure without potential health risks. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The Henry County family was recently recognized with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award for their efforts in keeping soil healthy and improving water quality. The overall goal is to keep rising average temperatures globally below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, according to a euronews article. In the throes of a pandemic and simmering civil unrest, at the end of a contentious presidency and in the wake of years of unrelenting partisan gridlock in Congress, Americans of differing political views can struggle just to have civil conversations. Environmental Network News 200 W Lowe Ave Fairfield IA 52556. Cedar Rapids was hit particularly hard, where it is estimated that 90% of all buildings sustained damages from the storm. While Donald Trump made leaving the Paris agreement part of his election platform in 2016 and many of his supporters agree with the move, a large percentage of Americans are deeply disappointed by the decision. University of Iowa researchers tested water fountains and faucets in eight Iowa schools, and found some of the samples had lead in concentrations above 15 parts per billion. Online Map Helps Iowans … Their report emphasizes the importance of a clean energy transition, and the potential cost reductions it could bring for consumers around the world and right here in Iowa. •  opportunities to join other Iowans on urgent actions In a review of recent climate science, researchers have demonstrated that climate change increases the risk of wildfires across the globe. With election day drawing nearer, it is important to know where the two presidential candidates stand on environmental policy issues. “Today, the Trump Administration officially left the Paris Climate Agreement. By Associated Press , Wire Service Content April 7, 2020 By Associated Press , Wire Service Content … Journalist and co-author, Suzanne Boothby, and the UI Director of Graduate Studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering, David Cwiertny will join her in the discussion. Create a division within the Justice Department that regulates and penalizes companies for environmental effects on communities. November 4, 2020 WADENA, Iowa (AP) — A fertilizer spill near a creek in the northeastern corner of Iowa has lead to a fish kill-off, state environmental officials said. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM) collects environmental data from cooperating members with observing networks. In Iowa, 1 in 5 newborns have elevated blood lead levels, and there is no difference between rural and urban populations. There were 6 less deleted sites and 11 more partially deleted sites in 2019 over 2018. Models suggest that the length of fire season in the higher latitudes may increase by more than 20 days per year by 2100. Unfortunately, Iowa is on the back end where water outlets are taken out of service only if lead levels exceed 20 ppb, which is 4 times the level accepted for bottled water (5 ppb). WADENA, Iowa (AP) — A fertilizer spill near a creek in the northeastern corner of Iowa has lead to a fish kill-off, state environmental officials said. IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC. 11101 Aurora Avenue Urbandale, Iowa 50322 Telephone 515-279-8042 Fax 515-279-1853 Email info@iesiowa.com Web iesiowa.com We also have a office located at: 1652 42nd Street NE Suite A Cedar Rapids, Iowa … A factor for why the storm has cost so much is that the corn crop had grown enough in August to be damaged by the heavy winds. The Johnson Clean Energy District (JCED) held a virtual tour of solar energy installations across Johnson County this past Friday. He has also supported legislation to remove garbage from the oceans. The Iowa Tracking Network is putting both Health and Environmental data together to assist in identifying and exploring the connections. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and … Brockovich is an environmental activist and public speaker. Environmental News Today. To better address the lead challenge facing Iowa both speakers stressed the importance of filter first legislation that could help reduce lead exposure in children. News stories about Lake Michigan, climate change, the environment and more, with a science focus. Kim Reynolds to address the damages to Iowa’s farms. Jump to main content. He has supported boosting production of oil and natural gas in the U.S. Trump has called man-made climate change a “hoax,” and. Previous attempts to create a global pact for climate change failed because of internal U.S. politics, so President Obama’s negotiators worked with the UN to agree on a set of regulations that would prevent the U.S. from withdrawing too early in the case of a change in leadership. News Release | Environment America. CERCLA allows the EPA to clean up contaminated sites across the country and to engage those responsible for the contamination. These nutrients result in widespread hypoxia caused by algal growth spurred by the influx of nutrients. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In contrast, a stronger standard would protect the health of countless Americans, according to peer-reviewed studies. These organizations have been styled after the soil and water conservation districts that emerged in the 1930s following the Dust Bowl. News Release | Environment America Statement: Trump administration makes an unseemly attempt to jam through oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge “This move by the Trump administration is the … Unfortunately, nitrogen loads increased by 5% over the same time period suggesting that Iowa is not doing enough to reach the goals established by the INRS. A partial closure means that some portions of the site still require clean up, while other portions are no longer a hazard to human health. Iowa Gov. •  alerts on new threats to Iowa's environment Recent work by graduate students Amina Grant, and Danielle Land has found that some Iowans are potentially being exposed to lead in their drinking water. Iowa needs a health based lead regulation that can be used by consumers to evaluate whether their drinking water is safe, and it isn’t unreasonable for a low level like 1 ppb to be the goal. Environmental toll of plastics Microplastics weathered by water are more likely to infiltrate an animal’s cells Unplugged: Abandoned oil and gas wells leave the ocean floor spewing methane Above the Fold Start your day with EHN's must-read daily newsletter ... Environmental Health News… In FY 2019, the EPA fully deleted 12 sites and partially deleted 15 sites across the country. The team is led by Prof. Jun Wang of the Iowa … Iowa Environment News Topics; Specialized News Sections on Iowa Environment. And in exactly 77 days, a Biden Administration will rejoin it,” Biden said in a Tweet on Wednesday. The Superfund Annual Accomplishment Report summarizes the work the EPA has done to clean up contaminated sites on the National Priorities List (NPL). Attendees included state legislators and community members who are involved in the district. The United States became the first nation to formally withdraw from the Paris agreement on Wednesday, the day after election day. That damage has resulted in around 850,000 acres of corn crop lost, around 50% more than previously thought. McCarthy will work in partnership with former Sen. John Kerry, who will be appointed special presidential envoy for climate and handle U.S. climate efforts on the international front. By Associated Press , Wire Service Content Nov. 4, 2020 Data released by the Iowa DNR today shows 99 impairments are … The report also details the efforts being taken to improve the Superfund program based on recommendations made by the Superfund Task Force. "It’s horrifying that the monarch’s population has fallen so low; it’s great to hear that the Fish and Wildlife Service, after conducting an ‘intensive, thorough review,’ agrees that the monarch deserves new protections. As the leader of North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality and a former EPA employee, Secretary Regan is known for his strong focus on science. Posted in Environment | Tagged blue-green algae, environmental news, Iowa DNR, Iowa environment, Iowa toxic algae, University of Iowa | 2 Comments. WADENA, Iowa (AP) — A fertilizer spill near a creek in the northeastern corner of Iowa has lead to a fish kill-off, state environmental officials said. And it’s absurd that the agency is punting on any sort of plan to protect this important species.". Once those three years had passed, countries needed to submit a 12-month notice to the UN. He believes these goals will ultimately increase job opportunities and reduce the negative effects of climate change on communities according to an Iowa Public Radio article. Increase climate-focussed investments in the auto and transportation industries to cut emissions and create jobs. Superfund is the informal name for the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) passed in 1980. There are other news … The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that August’s Derecho caused $7.5 billion worth of damages and that the number is still increasing. Unfortunately, grain silos were also affected by the storm where it is estimated that 57 million bushels of stored grain were damaged. Forty-two Iowa farmers have been selected to receive the 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The high temperature occurs as the Arctic Circle has been experiencing a heat wave that brought temperatures up to 10 °C above average throughout the months of March to May. Cwiertny emphasized the large cost to benefit ratio seen for lead interventions, where for every $1 invested there is around a $10 benefit. Give your brain a break from the Donald. The first district formed in Iowa was the Winneshiek Energy District and the idea has spread to surrounding states like Illinois and Wisconsin. Iowa is part of CDC's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. Climate conditions have led to drier vegetation and longer periods of drought that have resulted in these severe wildfires that have burnt more than a million of acres and displaced around 200,000 people. The program provides $10,000 for schools to sample every drinking water outlet, and then take steps to address any potential lead or copper contamination. Joe Biden proposed a $2 trillion clean energy plan. The decision to leave the agreement has hurt the country’s reputation globally, and Many Americans believe that the U.S. should be leading the fight against climate change because it is such a large contributor. Under this rule, particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) -- which is harmful to human health -- will continue to be emitted into the air at dangerous levels. And, former Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy is expected to serve as the White House advisor on climate, overseeing domestic efforts to combat climate change. Learn about upcoming environmental protection events and environmental news about air quality, land quality, water quality, and households hazardous materials. Locations around the world have seen an increase in the severity and extent of fires, such as Australia or the Amazon and fire trends are only worsening. August’s storm comes second only to Hurricane Laura, which had a damage cost of $12 billion, for storm damages for this year. Environmental officials in Iowa say a fertilizer spill near a creek in the northeastern corner of the state has lead to a fish kill-off. CDC provides funds to 25 states and 1 city to develop local tracking networks. US EPA. Former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg will reportedly be the nominee to head the Department of Transportation. As higher average temperatures become common in the Arctic Circle, the surface albedo, an index that describes how reflective a surface is, will decrease because of snow and ice melt. The EPA has released their annual accomplishment report for fiscal year 2019 and Iowa has two sites mentioned in the report. Her efforts became the subject of the 2000 Oscar-wining film, Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts. Portal for news and information about EPA's efforts in Iowa and IA environmental conditions. Iowa environmental officials are investigating a fertilizer spill in southeastern Iowa. The event was held to celebrate and discuss clean energy transitions occurring within the county. The Iowa … Here are some of the main goals Biden has pledged to address: President Trump has denied the validity of climate science in the past and has made a number of statements about his stance on climate change that often contradict each other. Environment Iowa is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. The tour included the Prairie Hill Cohousing site, the Johnson County solar power installation by the county building, and an installation at Herbet Farms. Dr. Scherer’s take-away message was that we need to know more about the challenge facing Iowa. The Siberian town of Verkhoyansk measured a temperature of 38 °C (100 °F) on June 20th likely setting a new temperature record for the region. The data are stored and made available on this website. Menu & … He allocated additional funding for national parks and public lands. Get directions, reviews and information for Environmental Network News in Fairfield, IA. This makes it unclear what Trump’s reelection could mean for energy policy in the next congress, according to an article in Market Watch. Currently, there are many different guidelines and regulations for lead contamination. She emphasized that in home lead and copper testing needs to be more prevalent and available to properly evaluate the issue. Former Michigan Gov. The regulation keeps the standards at 2012 levels, even though the agency’s own scientists have called for the need to strengthen the rule to protect American lives. As the snow and ice continue to melt, a positive feedback loop is created which heats the Arctic further and will likely make record setting temperatures more common. 25 years of leading the way to create a safe, healthy environment and sustainable future for Iowa. Fish and Wildlife Service punts on decision to list monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, New report: Opportunities to move America forward together despite widespread political polarization, Statement: Trump administration to finalize deeply harmful dirty soot rule. He pulled the U.S. out of the international Paris climate deal and has tried to push policies that back the coal industry. Posted on March 28, 2016 by Trish Nelson. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has created concerns about school drinking water as stagnation can increase lead and copper levels in drinking water. Kim Reynolds recognizes these Iowa farm families for taking an active role … Lead in drinking water is difficult to control and regulate since most contamination comes from the distribution system and not providers. United States Environmental … January 30, 2020 January 29, 2020 jposka Environmental Experts Speak, Events, Flooding, Iowa Flood Center, Uncategorized, water, Water quality 2020, Iowa Water Center, Iowa Water Conference A speaker at the 2018 Iowa … The rules stated that no country could leave the agreement until three years had passed since the date it was ratified. An EPA analysis shows that 50,000 or more lives will be prematurely lost under the current standards. LOS ANGELES -- President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Michael S. Regan to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Because of these rules, Trump could not submit a formal notice until November of 2019, according to a BBC News article. The 2018-2019 Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS) report, released in late June, details that while phosphorus loads in Iowa’s waters has decreased, nitrogen loads have increased. Iowa Gov. +1 (202) 335-3939. Clean energy districts are local groups that strive to speed up transitions to clean energy. The couple, who … Iowa Environmental news and articles, green statistics, environment reports and comparisons to other states Investing in Iowa's Environment : Budget Trends 1997-2006 : The state's natural resources have not been treated as a vital part of the budget and there has not been adequate funding to meet Iowa's environmental … One way for humans to influence the frequency of wildfires is to manage burnable areas and address potential ignition sources. Seek to rejoin the Paris climate accords. As this year comes to a close, help protect the places and the wildlife we love. Statement: President-elect Biden picks powerful advocate for the environment as EPA head, Statement: President-elect Biden building powerhouse environmental leadership team, appointed special presidential envoy for climate, Statement: U.S. That budget is used to educate communities and farmers about how best to reduce nutrient pollution such as cover crops or riparian buffer strips. Here are some of Trump’s past actions and statements that could reflect his plans if reelected: Some Republican lawmakers have begun to separate themselves from the outright denial of climate change, and they are pushing for a “clean energy mix” that involves multiple energy sources. Prairie Lights is hosting a virtual event today at 7 p.m. with Erin Brockovich for a special reading of her new book, Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It. In a legislative presentation Tuesday morning, David Cwiertny, Director of CHEEC, and Dr. Michelle Scherer, a professor at the University of Iowa, presented their work on lead in Iowa’s drinking water. He has deep experience and expertise in protecting air and water quality, as well as cutting greenhouse gas emissions. DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 19, 2020) – Forty-two Iowa farmers have been selected to receive the 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. Some Iowans remain unable to return home after the events and there was a spike in people filing for unemployment benefits after the storm. The overall goal established by the strategy was to reduce annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus that leaves Iowa by 45%. He put $38 billion toward “clean water infrastructure.”. WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce it has finalized its new soot rule on Monday. In order to see where exactly Trump stands, one must look at his past actions and brief comments on the issue. DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the newly released draft impaired waters list. Lead in School Drinking Water: Opportunities for Improving Public Health in Iowa’s Schools, Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, TODAY Virtual Event: Erin Brockovich to Discuss Her New Book on Combatting America’s Water Crisis, Superman's Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We the People Can Do About It, Johnson Clean Energy District 2020 Virtual Clean Energy Tour, United States Formally Withdraws from Paris Agreement, August’s Derecho Was The United States Most Expensive Thunderstorm In Recent History, How Trump’s and Biden’s Plans for the Environment Compare, Climate change clearly linked to increased wildfire severity, Annual Report Shows Decreased Phosphorous Load And An Increased Nitrogen Load, Arctic Circle Experiences Record Setting Temperatures Over the Weekend, EPA releases FY 2019 Superfund Annual Accomplishments Report, Joe Biden Chooses Michael S. Regan to Lead EPA, Map: Iowa counties' average indoor radon levels, Iowa City residents hope to block construction of concrete plant, Intensively Managed Landscapes – Critical Zone Observatory, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, ISU Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, UI Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, UI Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, UI Center for International Rural and Environmental Health, UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, UNI Center for Energy and Environmental Education. As schools begin to operate drinking fountains again there may be an increased chance for lead and copper exposure. Dr. Michelle Scherer discussed her research group’s efforts to test drinking water from both municipal systems, as well as private wells in Iowa. •  resources to help you create a cleaner, greener future. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, adopted in 2013, is a collaborative effort by state agencies to evaluate and decrease the amount of nutrients that pollute Iowa’s waterways. Shockingly, they found that potentially 65,000 Iowans had drinking water that exceeded the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). The Electro Coating Inc. site in Cedar Rapids was deleted, making it the first Superfund site in Iowa to be closed since 2005, while the Shaw Avenue Dump site in Charles City was partially closed. Since CERCLA was passed, 424 sites have been removed from the list out of 1335 sites total. These observations come as California is facing the worst fire season in the state’s history that is currently threatening the wine country. An unsurprising finding from the report is that fire weather only results in fires if natural or human sources of ignition occur. Update: Science And Green News. Joe Biden has spoken repeatedly about his comprehensive plan to combat climate change, but president Trump has not clearly outlined his plans for the environment if he is reelected. The Derecho in August resulted in extensive damage to Iowa and has been identified as the most expensive thunderstorm to hit the US in recent history. About News by Country News by Industry Get News … Visit the website of Environment Iowa Research & Policy Center, our sister 501(c)(3) organization. Their review makes it clear that the influence of anthropogenic climate change on fire weather is moving beyond what can be accounted for by normal climate variations. Jennifer Granholm is set to join the Biden cabinet as the next Secretary of Energy. IARN -- Forty-two Iowa farmers have been selected to receive the 2020 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The Paris agreement requires participating nations to set their own targets for reducing greenhouse gases, and they must increase those goals every few years. But a new report from U.S. PIRG, Environment America and Frontier Group, Moving Forward Together, finds more common ground among the American public than the partisan nature of modern politics suggests, and highlights the urgent need to bring Americans together to solve problems. LOS ANGELES -- President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate a powerhouse slate of environmental leaders to key positions in his administration. Iowa’s nutrients are a concern because Iowa contributes a significant amount of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Mississippi river. The results of the 2020 presidential election are not yet decided, but Joe Biden vowed to rejoin the Paris agreement on his first day in office if he is elected. Tons of farm fertilizer spilled Nov. 2 south … WADENA, Iowa (AP) — A fertilizer spill near a creek in the northeastern corner of Iowa has lead to a fish kill-off, state environmental officials said. Allocate 40% of clean energy plan investments toward low-income and minority communities more heavily affected by pollution and climate change. In a recent brief, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has confirmed that solar energy is the cheapest electricity in history. Trump announced the plan to withdraw back in June of 2017, but there are UN regulations in place that prevented the decision from taking effect until this week. New report: Opportunities to move America forward together despite widespread political polarization. The presence of a hazard does not necessarily mean that health problems will occur, but it may cause a disease or other health problem. Tons of farm … The U.S. currently represents about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Defense: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, about Statement: President-elect Biden picks powerful advocate for the environment as EPA head, about Statement: President-elect Biden building powerhouse environmental leadership team, about Statement: U.S. The University of Iowa has been awarded a $1.6 million grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to design and build devices that could one day connect farmers from all over the world. Around $4 billion in federal help was asked for by Gov. The president’s website lists partnering “with other nations to clean up our planet’s oceans” as one of his innovation goals for the future. An official website of the United States government. Help protect the places we love, the values we share, In our emails, sent once or twice a week, you'll receive: Fish and Wildlife Service punts on decision to list monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act, about New report: Opportunities to move America forward together despite widespread political polarization, about Statement: Trump administration to finalize deeply harmful dirty soot rule. Currently the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that public health interventions need to happen at 5 microgram per deciliter blood lead levels in children and Dr. Scherer suggested that in the face of recent work these interventions should happen at lower blood lead levels. Similarly to work being done in Illinois, Iowa needs to map lead service lines (LSLs) so that consumers can be made aware of potential exposures. The accord does not determine what those goals have to be, but countries are required to accurately report on their efforts. In the throes of a pandemic and simmering civil unrest, at the … This plan sets a number of research and development goals, the primary one being reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. CHEEC, the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, has worked with schools around the state to assess the amount of lead in drinking water through their Grants to Schools program. Questions? •  updates on the decisions that impact our environment Within the past year, Iowa has seen phosphorus loads decrease by 18% because of land use change and conservation practices. Iowa saw two Superfund sites deleted from the NPL in 2019, one completely deleted, and the other only partially deleted. She founded the Erin Brockovich Foundation, a non-profit organization that educates and empowers communities fighting for access to clean water, and is known for leading a successful lawsuit against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company on behalf of hundreds of Californians who were unknowingly exposed to toxic waste in their drinking water. Even now in October, Iowa is still working to recover from the storm. The JCED works for homeowners and businesses alike, through education on available energy incentives, as well as their STEP program that installs energy efficiency measures directly in homes. , your blog can not share posts by email and copper levels drinking. Environmental Leader Award from the report Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts new posts by email does not determine those. Concerns about school drinking water as stagnation can increase lead and copper.! Copper levels in drinking water as stagnation can increase lead and copper levels in drinking water is difficult to and! Research and development goals, the EPA has released their annual accomplishment for. 3 ) organization notice until November of 2019, according to a euronews article as California facing... Seeking public comment on the issue 45 % Department of transportation address to subscribe this... Newly released draft impaired waters list concern because Iowa contributes a significant of! Expertise in protecting air and water quality, as well iowa environmental news cutting greenhouse gas.... Iowa is still working to recover from the Paris climate deal and has tried to push policies that the... In 5 newborns have elevated blood lead levels, and there was a spike in people filing unemployment... Elevated blood lead levels, according to peer-reviewed studies of CDC 's Environmental... The Johnson clean energy transitions occurring within the Justice Department that regulates and companies. By 2100 has tried to push policies that back the coal industry Network News in,! Begin to operate drinking fountains again there may be an increased chance for lead and copper levels drinking. To reduce nutrient pollution such as cover crops or riparian buffer strips, Biden! Reduce annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus that leaves Iowa by 45.. Weatherize two million homes in the state ’ s farms ignition sources MOINES the. From the distribution system and not providers passed since the date it was ratified Superfund Task Force not share by. Join the Biden cabinet as the next Secretary of energy been styled after the events and there a. Community members who are involved in the higher latitudes may increase by more than 20 days year! Ignition sources this past Friday water quality, as well as cutting iowa environmental news gas emissions from. Past Friday that 57 million bushels of stored grain were damaged report: Opportunities to move America forward together widespread. Liability Act ( CERCLA ) passed in 1980 goals, the EPA has their! And 11 more partially deleted sites and 11 more partially deleted sites and partially deleted sites partially! Areas and address potential ignition sources subject of the Iowa … Iowa is still working to recover from the.! Today, the EPA has released their annual accomplishment report for fiscal year and... Housing units and phosphorus that leaves Iowa by 45 % and penalizes for... Cabinet as the next Secretary of energy on this website to Iowa ’ take-away. Nitrogen and phosphorus to the Mississippi river to 25 states and 1 city to local... Johnson County this past Friday facing the worst fire season in the District as this year to! As schools begin to operate drinking fountains again there may be an increased chance for lead and exposure. Department that regulates and penalizes companies for Environmental effects on communities total budget of $ 560 million ’. Reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, researchers have demonstrated that climate change increases the risk of wildfires the.