IFU lobbyist Judie Hoffman reports that House Democrats were divided in caucus this week over the proposed $22.8 taxpayer-funded hog lot odor study bill (HF 2652, click here to read it), so the bill was sent to the appropriations subcommittee rather than debated as was the plan. Thanks to those of you who contacted your legislators, our message is getting out! But the bill’s supporters will make a big push in the next week, so we can’t give up yet.Judie says, “The bill is still alive, but at this time there is not enough support. They don’t want to debate a bill that divides the caucus.”

Iowa does not need to fund yet another study of hog lot odor. The bill is a thinly veiled stalling tactic and industry subsidy. Take one minute to contact your legislators and the governor; contact info is below. Here are some points to make:

Over the next five years, DNR Director Rich Leopold predicts approximately 2,550 new CAFOs will be built in Iowa–about 450 a year. Meanwhile, the legislature has done nothing to raise environmental standards to prevent these units from continuing to foul our air, water and soils. There is no need for another study to add to the dozens that have already been done, including at ISU, but if another study is needed, let the industry pay–not taxpayers.

	EMAIL the governor and lt. governor Gov. Culver’s email is chet.culver@iowa.govLt. Gov. Judge’s email is patty.judge@iowa.gov
		CALL the governor and lt. governor The office phone is (515) 281-5211
		MAIL the governor and lt. governor Send them both a letter at:Office of The Governor and Lt. Governor State Capitol Des Moines, IA 50319