This bill amends the duties of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) concerning air quality reporting and emissions management. It modifies the annual reporting requirement to the governor and general assembly by changing the timeframe for greenhouse gas emissions data from the previous calendar year to emissions that occurred two years prior. This adjustment aligns the state's reporting with the annual statewide greenhouse gas inventories conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Additionally, if the EPA completes its inventory, it can satisfy the state's reporting requirement. The bill also removes specific references to administrative rules regarding emission fees and operating permits, reflecting a realignment of the Iowa administrative code.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the requirement for DNR to create a greenhouse gas inventory based on data collected from producers and to establish a voluntary greenhouse gas registry, as federal regulations already cover these aspects. It also eliminates a provision that mandated the environmental protection commission to adopt rules for certifying solid waste incinerator operators. Overall, the bill streamlines the DNR's responsibilities related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing redundancy with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 455B.104, 455B.133B, 455B.304, 455B.152