(Le Mars) — Most people are in agreement when the new state legislature returns to Des Moines in January, water quality will be discussed. However, there is little agreement as to how the state will finance a plan to remove nitrates from field run-off and clean our waterways. Since Republicans have control of both
chambers, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey says he doesn’t believe there will be a new tax imposed for water quality clean up.
However, the state agriculture official admits it will be a difficult challenge for legislators to find additional money with the state’s revenue projected to be lower due to a slow farm economy.
Despite the outlook, Northey remains optimistic that state lawmakers will devote additional attention and funds to the water quality issue.
Political pressure from environmental groups has been placed on state officials calling for more regulation is needed to help clean the water. However, Northey, believes additional regulation is not needed. He says more Iowa farmers are showing interest in conservation cost-share programs to help reduce nitrates from entering waterways.
