DES MOINES, IOWA (July 13, 2025) — Public education is central to IEC's mission to create a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.
This summer, we are pleased to present learning opportunities that help Iowans better understand our shared environmental challenges and potential solutions.
These live, virtual presentations offer new information, data, and perspectives from our research, policy, and legal experts about topics that are important to our state's environmental well-being and public health. All webinars are free and open to the public, with registration required.
Understanding Iowa's Changing Climate: Drought, Deluge, and Drinking Water
IEC and public water utility experts will discuss the challenges to providing clean, affordable drinking water in the wake of climate change events. The second in IEC's four-part "Understanding Iowa's Changing Climate" series features information on the hydroclimate whiplash: From prolonged drought to severe floods, Iowa communities face unique challenges to our water systems. Speakers include: Amy Kahler, Executive Director, Des Moines Water Works; Loulou Dickey, Executive Director, Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership; Pete De Kock, Assistant City Manager, City of Clive; Cody Smith, Director of Climate Initiatives, Iowa Environmental Council; and Colleen Fowle, Water Program Director, Iowa Environmental Council.
12-1PM, Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Details and registration here.
Toxic By Design: Understanding Coal Ash Pollution in Iowa
Coal-powered energy does not just pollute the air — it also threatens our water. Join IEC Energy Policy Manager Raihan Rashidi, IEC General Counsel Michael Schmidt, and Earthjustice Senior Research and Policy Analyst Caroline Weinberg on July 30 for a webinar exploring coal ash, a toxic byproduct of burning this dirty fossil fuel. You will learn how coal ash has impacted Iowa's environment and public health, how IEC is working to protect communities from its dangers, and the national perspectives on coal ash management, especially as federal environmental regulations are at risk of being rolled back. If you are interested in the coal ash landscape in Iowa and what is at stake, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. (NOTE: A new report from IEC, "Toxic by Design: Understanding Coal Ash Pollution in Iowa," will be released prior to this webinar.)
12-1PM, Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Details and registration here.
How to Build Solar in Iowa: Considerations for Siting
Solar at all scales is a growing opportunity in the state of Iowa. From immense growth in the customer-owned solar market to the expansion of utility-scale projects, Iowa is in the midst of a solar boom. For counties presented with the opportunity to engage in utility-scale solar projects, a well-drafted ordinance is an important tool to consider. IEC Renewable Energy Siting Associate Noah Daniel and and IEC Senior Energy Policy Counsel Steve Guyer will discuss best practices. (NOTE: A new report from IEC, "Iowa Solar Siting Resource Guide: A Roadmap for Counties," will be released prior to this webinar.)
12-1PM, Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Details and registration here.
Iowa Electric Generation: Condition of the State 2025
Each year, this report and presentation from IEC Senior Energy Policy Counsel Steve Guyer analyzes Iowa's energy generation, where Iowa's emissions are coming from, and the impact our remaining fossil fuel generation has on our environment, health, and pocketbooks.
12-1PM, September 10, 2025
Details and registration here.
The Iowa Environmental Council is the state's largest and most comprehensive environmental alliance, comprised of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, the Council raises awareness, generates action, and creates large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.
