Environment

HF 2618 repeals Iowa's "smart planning principles" (sections 18B.1 and 18B.2), which required local governments and state agencies to consider 10 specific guidelines in planning, zoning, and development decisions. The bill removes these requirements from state code, eliminating the obligation for cities, counties, and state agencies to reference or apply these principles when creating comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, or infrastructure projects. It also deletes related references from other sections of Iowa law governing regional planning (28I.4), airport zoning (329.3), and local development regulations (335.5, 414.3). This change directly affects how local governments approach land use and development planning across Iowa.

HF 2640 prohibits intentionally emitting chemicals or devices into the atmosphere within Iowa for the purpose of altering weather, climate, or sunlight intensity. It requires all Iowa airports open to the public to report monthly (starting October 2026) on aircraft equipped with such devices, including their presence, landings, takeoffs, or refueling. Non-compliant airport projects lose eligibility for state funding, and violations are punishable as class D felonies (up to 5 years in prison) for individuals or $100,000 civil penalties for corporate officers. This bill directly affects airport operators, aviation entities, and any organization using weather-modification technology within Iowa.