Iowa Environmental Council

From all of us at the Iowa Environmental Council: Wishing you moments of attention and astonishment in this new year, in an environment that is worth protecting.

If you care about Iowa's water, land, air, and communities, and you want to learn how to talk to legislators about our environment, don't miss Environmental Advocacy Day on February 19. This free (and fun) event is open to both seasoned and first-time advocates. We offer an advocacy 101 training, updates on current bills and legislation related to Iowa's environment, a program and press conference at the Iowa State Capitol, interaction with IEC's member organizations, and more. See a detailed agenda and register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gmce_U7A

Help us welcome four professionals into new roles at IEC! Noah Daniel, Lauren Luerkens, Raihan Rashidi, and Josh Ventling are utilizing their experience and expertise to support new program growth on our Energy and Climate Initiatives teams. Learn more about their backgrounds and current roles with IEC: https://lnkd.in/gyS3y-Nr Noah Daniel Raihan Amir Rashidi Josh Ventling

IEC was proud to bring 20 nonprofit organizations together yesterday for the first “Building a Path Forward” workshop, along with cohosts Iowa Interfaith Power and Light and Iowa CCI. Representatives from environmental organizations throughout the Midwest gathered to discuss a collaborative vision and organized movement to continue addressing the biggest environmental issues in Iowa. We’re so grateful for a community that is deeply committed to positive change. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement Iowa Interfaith Power & Light Greater Dubuque Development Corp. Great Plains Action Society The Nature Conservancy in Iowa Food & Water Watch in Iowa Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Iowa Energy Fund Center for Rural Affairs Environmental Law & Policy Center Iowa Wildlife Federation The Harkin Institute Iowa Council of Foundations Iowa Farmers Union Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Practical Farmers of Iowa Progress Iowa CLAYTON COUNTY ENERGY DISTRICT

Iowa's Impaired Waters List identifies the lakes, wetlands, streams that do not meet water quality standards for point source and non-point source pollutants. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources analyzed 1,428 waterbody segments for the state's Impaired Waters List. In November, the Environmental Protection Agency evaluated the state's submission and determined that it is not fully consistent with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.    Read our newest blog on the Impaired Waters List revisions and submit your comments to the EPA by December 13. Read here: iaenvironment.org/blog/

TONIGHT! This is your chance to bid on your very own "Aqua-Fir" holiday tree from the Iowa Environmental Council. Each year, the Des Moines Christkindlmarket hosts a silent auction of decorated trees, benefitting local nonprofit organizations. IEC's tree theme celebrates the beauty of our water, intertwined with the tree, symbolizing the makeup of Iowa's diverse environment. The silent auction begins tonight and concludes Sunday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m. Here's how to bid: https://lnkd.in/gZFk4_Nf A big thanks to the organizers of the Christkindlmarket for inviting IEC to participate. Be sure to visit the market December 5 - 8 to see all of the holiday trees, plus experience a family-friendly event with dozens of local vendors, restaurants, and independent makers.

Did you know that companies, organizations, and individuals can become members of the Iowa Environmental Council? (Plus, we offer special membership rates for students and young professionals!) In 2025, our collective environmental advocacy will be more important than ever. Join us and give today, and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a generous Giving Tuesday match from IEC's Board of Directors. https://lnkd.in/gm_hQHKi

The 2025 Iowa Legislative Session officially begins on January 13, and there are many challenges and opportunities facing our state, our health, and our environment. Join IEC for a free webinar to learn about the policies we are prioritizing this session — and how you can join us in our mission to create a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.   IEC's 2025 Legislative Priorities and Session Preview  11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., December 11, 2024 Register at https://lnkd.in/guEHxkUb Safe water, affordable energy, and resilient communities are important to all Iowans. Join our movement for positive change!

This week (and every week), we are thankful for IEC's members. You make this mission happen. Our members include companies, organizations, nonprofits, and individuals who are dedicated to supporting real, tangible improvements in Iowa's water, land, air. and environment. To our members: We're so grateful. Let's keep up the fight for a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans! See and support our member organizations: https://lnkd.in/gAMWCPvP

Yesterday, IEC staff visited the Iowa Flood Center, which provides Iowans with tools and information to understand and reduce their flood risks. We presented on our current water work, the intersections of climate change and environmental justice, and legislative advocacy at the Capitol. Learn more about the Iowa Flood Center at iowafloodcenter.uiowa.edu.