Environmental Regulations Articles

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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) last week released its 2018 list of impaired waters and asked for public comment.

Reynolds signs proclamation easing propane and anhydrous ammonia transport rules

There was only a slight 2 percent increase in the number of impaired waters in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources draft impaired waters list, the smallest increase seen in recent reporting cycles, the DNR says. While there was a small increase, it does not mean that water quality is getting worse. Learn more about the details of the report in this story.

There was only a slight 2 percent increase in the number of impaired waters in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources draft impaired waters list, the smallest increase seen in recent reporting cycles, the DNR says. While there was a small increase, it does not mean that water quality is getting worse, or better, according to the DNR. The five-year snapshot report is not designed to gauge those trends, or the magnitude of impairments, the state agency says. Learn more in this story.

American Farm Bureau Economist Michael Nepveux provides an overview and summary of the USDA's recent interim final rule for industrial hemp production. These new regulations offer much-needed guidance for farmers and others involved in the production of industrial hemp, he says, and we now have a better idea of how the crop will be sampled and tested and what happens when a crop exceeds the 0.3% THC federal limit. There's also a link to state-by-state statutes, case law and major research reports complied by the National Agricultural Law Center.

Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies will held November 18 through December 5 at 18 locations across Iowa. Citizens can discuss their visions for Iowa’s outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources and land management at the meetings. Learn more in this story.

In case you missed it, the Farm Journal recently published on AgWeb a special report - a collection of recent and past stories, surveys and related items regarding the production of industrial hemp. Find the link to these and learn more in this story.

The University of Wisconsin, University of Kentucky, Texas A & M, Penn State University, Purdue University, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture all have webpages with different educational resources for farmers considering growing industrial hemp in 2020 or beyond.

Here's a July 2019 story from Illinois about the risks and rewards of industrial hemp production. Also, there a link to current industrial help rules for Illinois farmers that may lead what's to come in Iowa.

The USDA has announced the establishment of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. This program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States. Learn more in this story.

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