We depend on the work of the air quality bureau at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure clean Iowa air that meets standards set out in law. Iowa businesses turn to the bureau to help them meet these standards and provide them with the approval needed to operate.
When a company wants to locate in Iowa, the air quality program will ensure they have the permits they need and that they meet air emissions standards when they open for business. When the air quality bureau operates efficiently, we create jobs and enhance Iowa’s image as a great place to do business.
The program depends on fees assessed on emissions. As companies have reduced emissions, our air has become cleaner. That’s a good thing, but it’s also created a budget shortfall, which hurts the air quality bureau’s ability to efficiently provide businesses with operating permits. These delays in turn hurt Iowa’s economic growth.
Legislation approved this year will help. Stakeholders, including businesses and air quality advocates, came up with a funding model for the air quality program that is sustainable and ensures those who receive services pay for them.
As a result of SF 488, the DNR will collect new user fees to help pay for keeping Iowa’s air clean and healthy. The proposed fees will affect both small and large industries that are sources of air pollutants, and building owners and contractors involved in asbestos renovations and demolition.
Stakeholders continue to work with the DNR to set the fees that fund the program. The DNR conducted advisory group meetings with stakeholders this summer to develop rules, fee types and amounts, and is incorporating their feedback.
To learn more about the changes being made in support of Iowa’s air quality, go to www.iowadnr.gov/feegroups and click on “Draft Fee Rulemaking.”
