The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) previously held a public hearing on June 29 to discuss proposed changes to Iowa’s antidegradation standards brought forth by The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU), Iowa League of Cities, and Iowa Association of Business and Industry. Many of the comments from the Iowa DNR public hearing were in favor of capping utilities expenses at 115 percent of the utility upgrade.
“The Administrative Rules Review Committee provides an essential duty in executive branch rule making,” said Timothy Whipple, general counsel for IAMU. “Iowans have spoken and are against rules that could bankrupt Iowa cities and towns. The ARRC’s rulemaking process is essential to the education of the public and policymakers about the need for clear state permitting rules for communities and industries.”
An adjustment to the current antidegradation rules will not only be protective of human health and the environment, but will also help communities make critical infrastructure investments to fuel growth, without placing an increased cost on the shoulders of consumers.