Environment
Our environment is the most precious resource we have and reducing pollution and protecting our wild habitat is essential to the preservation of our natural spaces.
In yet another example of our current Representative casting his votes to favor the utility company that employs him over the interests of the people who elected him, Chuck Soderberg voted against a bill that implements management mechanisms for the emission of greenhouse gases. This bill didn't punish greenhouse gas emitters, but rather only sought to measure the amount of greenhouse gasses released in Iowa. The bill also created an Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council to develop cost-effective, short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state (sec.5).
As your Representative, I would champion efforts to responsibly manage not only air pollution, but other threats to our environment such as waste run-off from hog containment facilities and soil conservation. One way I would fulfill this promise would be to support and expand the Environmental Quality Incentives Program of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
I will communicate with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Commission. The Environmental Protection Commission is a panel of nine citizens who provide policy oversight over Iowa's environmental protection efforts. EPC members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by vote of the Senate for four year terms. Meeting with these groups will help me to understand and evaluate the feasibility of solutions proposed to address Iowa's environmental needs.
