| Energy and environment reports published from 2001 to 2006 were made possible, in part, with generous support from The Joyce Foundation. Newer reports were supported in part by The McKnight Foundation. |
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Saving money on energy means more is available for other things — and that’s a boost to the Iowa economy. When the state is in a rebuilding mode, are business leaders and policy makers paying attention? Report, news release 7/16/08
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| March 19, 2008 |
Iowa's long tradition of energy efficiency is a significant accomplishment. However, Iowa is not meeting some of its stated efficiency goals, nor its potential to be the national leader in energy efficiency. Read the full report, executive summary and news release.
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| March 17, 2008 |
This St. Patrick's Day is a great time to think about one of Iowa's landmark "green" laws. Let's raise a beverage container of our choice to celebrate our Bottle Bill's 30th Birthday. Read the backgrounder for recommended improvements to our beverage container act.
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| Jan. 23, 2008 |
State policies to combat climate change must assure fair treatment of low-income families so that they don’t bear a disproportionate share of the cost of reducing carbon emissions.
“This is a time for innovation, not just in ways to cope with climate change, but in finding ways to help Iowa’s low-income families cope with our solutions,” says IPP's David Osterberg. Read the full report, two-page executive summary and news release.
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| Nov. 27, 2007 |
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| Iowa is underfunding efforts to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion, at the same time it is staking these environmental and economic priorities on gambling revenues. Read the press release, executive summary or full report. |
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| October 18, 2007 |
| A new study examining local impacts of increasing hog confinement operations across Iowa raises questions about their local development benefits. "In certain parts of Iowa, the lost opportunities may have been substantial," said Jan Flora, lead author of the new report. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary and Full Report.
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| August 9, 2007 |
| Stormwater management in Iowa needs a fresh focus on water quality, not just coping with the volume running off our streets, rooftops and landscaped lawns, according to a new report. Read the Press Release, Backgrounder and Full Report. |
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| April 10, 2007 |
| The 2007 legislative session has before it many proposals to help Iowa achieve energy independence. One area where Iowa has particular potential is that more of our schools could become producers of renewable energy and employ energy efficiency measures. Read the Backgrounder. |
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| April 10, 2007 |
| Iowans' interest in purchasing food grown closer to home has recently increased. To continue the growth of local food systems, Iowa's leaders need to be progressive in implementing polices that encourage their development. In particular, efforts could be expanded in Iowa's schools. Read the Backgrounder. |
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| February 6, 2007 |
| There is enormous potential for food to be grown, processed and consumed in Iowa. This report presents several ways policy makers could benefit Iowans by encouraging local food systems. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary and Full Report. |
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| December 13, 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 challenges. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary and Full Report. |
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| April 19, 2006 |
| Many unregulated compounds, such as prescription drugs, hormones, cosmetics, dyes, preservatives, and detergents, are present in Iowa's water and may cause detrimental effects to humans and wildlife. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary, and Full Report. |
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| March 7, 2006 |
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| Ten Iowa schools have installed wind turbines so they can spend less on electricity bills and more on students. They have also reduced their environmental impact and are providing their students with the opportunity to learn about the fastest growing energy source in the world. Read the Full Report and Press Release and view a Map of the Schools. |
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| October 7, 2005 |
| Ecological wastewater treatment technologies can address water pollution and be more affordable than conventional approaches for communities without sewer systems and for communities that need additional treatment. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary and Full Report. |
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| April 14, 2005 |
| Small-scale, locally owned wind power projects allow the state, our communities and landowners to reap the greatest benefits. Read the Full Report and Press Release. |
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| April 6, 2005 |
| Large-scale animal livestock confinement operations generate costs that must be addressed through public policies to protect producers, consumers and the environment. Read the Press Release, Executive Summary and Full Report. |
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| March 22, 2005 |
| A property tax credit is available to nonresident landowners who don’t pay Iowa taxes and are not actively involved in farming. Iowa lawmakers should consider proposals to tighten the tax credit and free dollars for conservation education. Read the Full Report. |
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| September 20, 2004 |
| Iowa's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program has the flexibility and financial resources to improve Iowa's water quality. Read the Executive Summary and Full Report. |
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| April 1, 2004 |
| How did funding for Iowa's natural resources fare in comparison to Minnesota's and Missouri's during the 2001 national recession? Read the Full Report. |
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| May 9, 2003 |
| What could tip the scales for someone choosing a job in Iowa or another state? This report suggests that it may be a bike trail or clear streams. Read the Full Report. |
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The Green Bike Tour |
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Visit the The Green Bike Tour website, an Iowa Policy Project-sponsored event to bring attention to sustainable energy in Iowa.
View the I.C. Gazette cartoon by Joe Sharpnack.
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