What the EPC thinks about IA's water crisis
On Monday night, Environmental Protection Commissioners Mary Boote, Cindy Greiman, and Joe Riding, came to our office for the first time. A packed room of 50 members delivered powerful testimony and simple facts to showcase that Iowa is in a water quality crisis.
Though it was a good discussion, this is what the EPC had to say:
Compliance with the voluntary nutrient reduction strategy, a measure backed by the Iowa Farm Bureau to supposedly protect our water, is working and should remain voluntary.
The Department of Natural Resources is doing everything they can to handle the manure being produced here.
The DNR needs more funding.
“You can’t legislate bad behavior.” – EPC Chair Mary Boote
And, then despite our discussion, the EPC proved their allegiance to corporate ag by approving the expansion of a factory farm in Kossuth County during their monthly meeting the following morning.
Here’s what we know:
The number of DNR’s own impaired waters list continues to grow.
DNR leadership has no political will and they are asleep at the wheel
More funding – we agree!, but Dir. Gipp repeatedly tells legislators they’re fine.
Tough fines and penalties and strong oversight would make polluters pay.
The discussion was trying, but good. Decision makers are listening - they know we won’t be ignored. Our “Too much manure, no political will” report is getting attention. We’re keeping the pressure on and we have to continue!
Thank you for all of your hard work, Clean Water Fighters. It’s been a busy month of big meetings with top decision makers. Stay tuned for the next moves in our battle for a clean water Iowa!