This bill extends Iowa's biodiesel blended fuel tax credit for retail dealers until January 1, 2033, instead of the previous 2028 expiration. It directly affects businesses selling biodiesel-blended fuel who claim this credit on their income taxes. The key provision ensures these dealers can claim the full credit for their entire tax year - even if their tax year doesn't end on December 31 - by aligning the credit calculation with the new 2033 repeal date. This change provides continued financial support for biodiesel retailers without altering the credit's structure.
SF 2356 requires owners of larger livestock operations (those needing manure management plans) to monitor manure application near surface water or groundwater sources. If weather or conditions increase spill risk, they must report potential discharges to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR will publish these reports online and investigate affected sites. This applies to operations exceeding 500 animal units, which are already required to submit manure management plans under existing law.
SF 2258 clarifies when multiple livestock facilities (animal feeding operations) must be treated as a single operation for environmental regulations. It defines specific triggers, such as facilities being within 2,500 feet, sharing manure systems or roads, or under common ownership. When these conditions apply, all related facilities are combined for regulatory purposes, meaning their combined size determines compliance with air and water quality rules and potential penalties. The bill also restricts expansions of related facilities unless new structures meet distance requirements. This primarily affects large livestock operations with multiple interconnected facilities in Iowa.
HF 2117 establishes a pilot program to expand Iowa's groundwater monitoring network by retrofitting up to 100 existing private wells owned by businesses or other entities with modern monitoring equipment. The program, funded with $100,000 appropriated for fiscal year 2026-2027, requires voluntary participation from well owners and covers all installation and equipment costs. It mandates that retrofitted wells meet specific safety standards, transmit data securely to the Iowa Geological Survey, and prioritize diverse aquifer representation. The program requires a 2028 report on results and expires July 1, 2029.
This bill creates a regulatory framework for customer-based energy systems in Iowa, primarily affecting energy storage companies and power plant operators using distributed resources like solar, wind, and batteries. It defines "customer-based energy storage companies" (not classified as utilities if meeting specific criteria) and "customer-based power plants" (aggregated systems managing distributed energy). Key provisions require operators to coordinate with utilities, obtain commission certification, meet cybersecurity standards, protect consumer data, and operate within utility service areas. The Iowa Utilities Commission must establish operational protocols, certification processes, and market-based tariffs to benefit nonparticipating customers.
This bill requires electric transmission owners to restore agricultural land after constructing new high-voltage transmission lines (200+ kilovolts). It directly affects landowners whose property is used for transmission lines and the companies building them. Key provisions include repairing damaged drain tiles to original quality, removing non-native rocks larger than 3 inches, deep tilling soil to relieve compaction (18 inches for crop land), restoring vegetation and soil conservation practices, and designating a point of contact for landowner inquiries. The Utilities Commission oversees compliance and can order corrective actions or impose penalties for violations.
This bill bars railway corporations from idling train engines longer than one hour when stationary within half a mile of residential neighborhoods in cities. It directly affects rail companies operating near homes, imposing fines of $500 to $5,000 per violation for exceeding the time limit. The rule applies to any stationary train in city areas zoned for housing, with penalties enforced under existing state code. The law aims to reduce noise and pollution from prolonged engine idling near residential properties.
This bill requires rate-regulated electric utilities in Iowa to file a comprehensive resource plan at least every three years. The plan must evaluate all reasonable energy sources - including supply options and conservation programs - to meet future demand over 5- and 20-year timeframes, incorporating approved energy efficiency initiatives. Utilities must include proposed resource additions for each scenario studied but cannot be mandated to specific outcomes. The commission must acknowledge receipt within 90 days and may suggest improvements, while the bill establishes a stakeholder process involving consumers, the commission, and the state load forecasting center for input during planning.
SSB 3068 allows Iowa water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific infrastructure improvements through new "system enhancement charges" after approval from the Iowa Utilities Commission. It directly affects investor-owned utilities providing regulated water and wastewater services, requiring them to submit multiyear plans for projects that improve resilience, safety, or environmental protection (e.g., replacing aging infrastructure or complying with federal regulations). Utilities must prove these projects meet defined criteria, including cost estimates and compliance benefits, before the Commission approves the charges. The bill excludes fines/penalties from recoverable costs and establishes a process for annual rate adjustments based on approved plans.
SSB 3099 requires Iowa state agencies to prefer purchasing soybean-based fire fighting foam that contains no perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or fluorine components, provided it meets safety standards and cost limits. The Department of Administrative Services must develop specifications for this foam, certify it as USDA biobased, and establish a procurement preference program. State agencies must prioritize this soy-based foam unless it’s unavailable, fails NFPA safety tests, or costs more than 5% over alternatives. The bill mandates including these preferences in bid solicitations, bidder conferences, and communications with industry trade associations to implement the requirement.
