SF 2159 – Emerald Ash Borer task force and interim committee
SF 2197 – Eliminating conditional air and water permits for electric utilities
SF 2198 – Paddlefish fishing licenses and tags
SF 2212 – Land disposal of yard waste from storm damage or invasive tree pests
SSB 3179 – Regulation and registration of snowmobiles
COMMITTEE ACTION:
SF 2159, as amended in committee, establishes a task force jointly led by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Department of Agriculture to investigate and identify issues related to the Emerald Ash Borer to develop a comprehensive plan to cope with infestation of the pest and its aftereffects. [2/18: short form (Johnson excused)]
SF 2197 eliminates the ability of the DNR to issue conditional air or water quality permits to an electric generating facility. The goal had been to speed along these facilities while they sought approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. Changes in regulations by the board, however, eliminated the need for the conditional permits and none have been issued. Because of this, this language is unnecessary and will be eliminated from the Iowa Code. [2/13: short form (Rozenboom, Zumbach excused)]
SF 2198 establishes resident and nonresident paddlefish fishing licenses for use on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. The licenses will cost $20 for a resident and $40 for a nonresident. The DNR is proposing this license because paddlefish populations on those rivers have achieved a sustainable level and there is sufficient interest in a season. The license fees are similar to those in Nebraska and South Dakota. [2/13: short form (Rozenboom, Zumbach excused)]
SF 2212 allows for the landfill disposal of yard waste associated with storm damage in connection with a presidentially declared disaster area or when the yard waste is collected for disposal to control, eradicate or prevent the spread of insect pests, tree and plant diseases, or invasive plant species problems. This will allow for the landfill disposal of waste associated with the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer in the event there is no other suitable disposal method available. [2/13: short form (Rozenboom, Zumbach excused)]
SSB 3179 updates regulations for the registration and operation of snowmobiles. The bill adjusts Code language to separate registration requirements for resident and non-resident snowmobilers. It also provides for the titling, but not registration, of farm snowmobiles, which operate on farm property and other incidental use outside the property boundaries. Since farm snowmobiles are not to be used on public trails, they cannot be required to pay the registration fee that is required for trail use. Also, the bill updates language allowing the operation of snowmobiles by 12 to 18-year- olds under the supervision of a parent or guardian. [2/19: short form)]