Today, the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) met to adopt proposed changes to Iowa’s current antidegradation standards. The EPC approved the revision unanimously.

“We are pleased with the decision the EPC made today,” said Timothy Whipple, general counsel for the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU). “Accepting this crucial revision to the current antidegradation standards ensures that municipal utilities can continue to provide quality service to consumers and make responsible spending decisions to best serve their communities.”

The changes come after the City of Clarion was named in a lawsuit brought forward by the Iowa Environmental Council and the Environmental Law and Policy Center earlier this year. It was made clear in the process that the ambiguous standards that were in place could result in financial hardship for rural utilities facing heightened scrutiny.

“Iowa’s antidegradation standards were last updated in 2010,” said Whipple. “They were simply too ambiguous, which made it hard for many municipal utilities to ensure compliance. We applaud the DNR and EPC for making this change.”

The change to Iowa’s antidegradation policy is minimal and aimed at providing clarity, not lowering standards. The 115 percent threshold now in place will ensure that municipal utilities have the opportunity to implement cost-effective infrastructure upgrades that allow the community to thrive. The changes to the standards simply optimize the balance between environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a public hearing June 29th at the Wallace Building to discuss proposed changes to Iowa’s antidegradation implementation procedures.

“The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) is hopeful that today’s hearing will help educate the public and policy makers about the need for clear state permitting rules for communities and industries,” said Timothy Whipple, general counsel for IAMU.

Today’s meeting was the next step for clarifying the current ambiguous rules and follows the Environmental Protection Commission’s decision to approve a petition submitted by the IAMU, the Iowa League of Cities, and the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.  The updated rules add much needed clarity and certainty to the permitting process. The rules will not only be protective of human health and the environment, they will also help communities make the critical infrastructure investments that fuel growth. 

“Today was the first step in creating a workable state permitting process for municipal utilities that will help communities avoid unsustainable debt, unnecessary legal challenges, and burdensome project costs. IAMU would like to thank the Iowa DNR for its willingness to make process improvements for Iowa communities,” Whipple stated.