WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 847

A bill for an act relating to duties of the department of natural resources related to air quality including reporting requirements, certifications, data gathering, and rules references.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HF 847 realigns Iowa GHG reporting with EPA schedules, repeals state GHG data collection and voluntary registry, and streamlines rules, removing incinerator operator certification.

Rereferred to Natural Resources.
#airquality #naturalresourcesdepartment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 847

Summary of HF 847 (Introduced March 7, 2025)

Purpose and scope

HF 847 would modify the duties of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) related to air quality, with a focus on reporting, data gathering, and rule references. The bill realigns state greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting to synchronize with federal (EPA) schedules, repeals some existing state GHG data collection and public registry requirements, and adjusts administrative rule designations and certifications related to air quality activities.

Key provisions

  • GHG reporting timeframe alignment

    • Replaces the existing requirement that the DNR submit a yearly report to the governor and General Assembly on state GHG emissions with a timeframe covering emissions two calendar years prior to the current calendar year.
    • This aligns the state reporting with the EPA’s annual GHG inventories, which cover emissions for the year prior to the previous year.
    • The bill would permit the EPA's GHG inventory to fulfill the state's reporting requirement if the EPA inventory is completed.

  • Administrative code realignment

    • Administrative rules related to emission fees and operating permits that were previously in 567 IAC chapter 22 would be moved to 567 IAC chapter 24.
    • The bill removes specific rule references to conform with changes in the Iowa Administrative Code (IAC).

  • Repeal of certain GHG-related state duties

    • Repeals the requirement for the DNR to create a state GHG inventory by gathering data from GHG producers and coordinating this data collection with the EPA.
    • Repeals the requirement to establish a voluntary state GHG registry.

  • Federal alignment note

    • Acknowledges that federal regulations provide requirements for GHG reporting and a voluntary registry, suggesting reliance on or alignment with federal programs rather than maintaining separate state-specific mechanisms.

  • Solid waste incinerator operator certification

    • Repeals a provision requiring the Environmental Protection Commission to adopt rules for the certification of solid waste incinerator operators.

Who and what would be affected

  • State agencies: DNR would adjust reporting practices and discontinue certain state-level GHG data collection and registry activities.
  • GHG emitters in Iowa: State data collection and reporting obligations would shift to align with EPA schedules; some state-level reporting and registries would be repealed.
  • EPA: The EPA inventory could fulfill Iowa’s reporting requirement if completed as part of federal inventories.
  • Regulatory framework: Administrative rule structure (567 IAC) would be updated to reflect realignment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025.
  • Status: Rereferred to Natural Resources.
  • Legislative actions thus far:
    • March 7, 2025 – Introduced and placed on the calendar.
    • April 3, 2025 – Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
    • May 15, 2025 – Rereferred to Natural Resources.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the introduced text; would typically be determined in the enacted bill if passed.

Bottom line

HF 847 aims to reduce duplicative state GHG reporting by aligning with EPA schedules, streamline and reorganize related rule references, and repeal several state-specific GHG data collection and registry requirements, while also removing a state certification rule for solid waste incinerator operators. The bill would represent a shift toward greater reliance on federal reporting while simplifying or eliminating certain state-level mandates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.