Committee Spotlight: Environment

July 6, 2017

Leading up to our ABI policy committee meetings in late summer, we will highlight each of ABI's five policy committees, so you know more about the mission and purview of each committee. These committees steer the direction of ABI's policy agenda each legislative session. To sign up for a public policy committee, email Dorothy Knowles, dknowles@iowaabi.org. Click here to see all the upcoming committee meetings and to register.

Environment Committee Mission Statement: To inform members about state and federal environmental legislation, regulations and policy. ABI advocates for environmental legislation and regulations based on sound science in an effort to eliminate burdensome provisions. ABI promotes common sense practices and resources while supporting business and industry growth improving the quality of life for all Iowans.

Current Chair: Mick Durham, Grain Processing Corporation

Issues handled by this committee:

  • Water issues
  • Air quality
  • Funding for environmental protection
  • Environmental regulation
  • Recycling

Recent Successes:
The environment committee is ABI's largest and most active policy committee.

  • ABI helped negotiate a compromise on air permitting costs in 2015 and continues to engage in discussions on air quality funding and streamlining of DNR air permitting processes.
  • ABI is engaged in water quality legislative and regulatory discussions, ensuring industry is included at the table on issues like antidegradation and nutrient reduction.

Next Meeting: Looking to 2018, the committee will work on its legislative and regulatory policies and direction for the future. The meeting is set for August 17 at ABI. Click here to register.