WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - October 4, 2010 - Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) grassroots farmers work hard to protect the soil and water of this state which, for generations, have provided food for their families and yours.  That is why IFBF has joined with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) and the Iowa Water Environment Association to file litigation challenging a rule adopted by the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) over inappropriate voting by an out-of-state resident Commission member and the conflict of interest by another EPC member.

A lawsuit, filed October 4, 2010, raises questions about the legality of the EPC vote last December which approved a new water quality rule. "The livelihoods of farmers, rural businesses and all Iowans are adversely affected by the new antidegradation rules," said IFBF President Craig Lang.  "The rule will stifle new economic development and job creation, especially in rural areas of Iowa."

"We know that the antidegradation rule will likely increase sewer and storm water rates for many Iowans, whether they live in small, rural towns or large Iowa cities," said Ted Payseur, government relations chair of the Iowa Water Environment Association.  The IRFA agrees; "While Iowa is the nation's leader in renewable fuels production, this new EPC rule threatens the future of that status," said IRFA executive director Monte Shaw.  "Imposing excessive costs and limitations that go above and beyond the Clean Water Act will severely hamper the ability of current biofuels producers to expand and will discourage new producers from locating in Iowa."

The lawsuit contends two EPC members had significant issues that should have prevented them from voting on the antidegradation rule.  Residency was the issue for regulator Carrie LaSeur, founder and president of the environmental activist group, Plains Justice.  LaSeur was already living and voting in Montana when she cast her vote on the Iowa antidegradation rule. That is a clear violation of the residency laws governing the EPC, which require members to be registered Iowa voters.

Susan Heathcote is an employee of The Iowa Environmental Council, an environmental lobbying group which pushed EPC adoption of the antidegradation rule; she had a clear conflict voting on a measure that affects her employer and her paycheck.

The lawsuit also spotlights procedural irregularities with the adoption of the antidegradation rule.  "Iowans need to believe they are represented by lawmakers who have their best interests in mind; not appointed members of a board, serving their own agendas," said Lang.

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(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 4, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has issued its approval of Iowa's Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Procedures, which are to be used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect high quality Iowa waters.  High quality waters are those with pollutant levels lower than what is required by state regulations.

"Implementation of the rule will yield great water benefits to the residents of Iowa and people who visit the state," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The rule helps guarantee Iowa's waters to be safe for aquatic life and recreational activities."

Iowa is obligated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy.  Antidegradation refers to federal regulations designed to maintain and protect high quality waters and existing water quality in other waters from unnecessary pollution.  It also provides avenues for the public to engage in determining acceptable levels of pollution.

There are three components to water quality standards: water body uses such as swimming and fishing, the criteria to protect those uses and an antidegradation policy to preserve the high quality of minimally polluted waters.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA.  The Agency is working with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands on our water resources.

EPA's September 30, 2010, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA's review and the basis for this action.  The decision letter is available at http://epa.gov/region7/news_events/legal/

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For more information about water-related activities in EPA Region 7, visit  www.epa.gov/region07/water/

Tyson Foods Lends Helping Hand in Fight Against Hunger

Tyson Foods donates more than 14 tons of protein to River Bend Foodbank in honor of its 10^th anniversary in the fight against hunger

MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 1, 2010 - An estimated 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance each week, and more than one in every three households experience very low food security, according to the 2010 Hunger in America Report. Today, Tyson Foods donated over 28,000 pounds of much-needed protein to River Bend Foodbank, a member of Feeding America. The donation was made in honor of the company's month-long celebration of its 10thanniversary of active support for hunger relief nationwide.

"This significant food donation from Tyson will allow us to impact lives when the need for food has never been greater," said Tom Laughlin, executive director of River Bend Foodbank. "Donations of poultry and other high-protein foods are especially valuable as they allow us to provide our agencies with more healthy, nutritious options.

"September is Hunger Action Month and Feeding America is asking all Americans to take action to fight domestic hunger. Throughout Hunger Action Month, Feeding America's nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including the River Bend Foodbank, are calling upon communities to take action through the "30 Ways in 30 Days" campaign. Whether it's by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or giving your time and energy, they urge everyone to find a way to make a difference.

One in six Americans is going hungry. Over the past 10 years, the number of families accessing food shelves has increased by 50 percent. In 2009, the River Bend Foodbank distributed more than 6.3 million pounds of food in its fight against hunger and served over 10,000 people each week. River Bend Foodbank serves over 300 agencies across 22 counties in both Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

"There are millions of hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are faced with the realities of hunger," said Donnie Smith, Tyson president and CEO.  "Many people don't realize the scope of hunger in their own community.  We hope that by making this donation, we're not only helping feed some people, but also are making more people aware of hunger in the Moline area."

Since 2000, Tyson Foods has been a leader in the fight against hunger. The company is actively engaged in food-donation events and fund-raising activities year-round to benefit those in need. The protein given by Tyson today brings the company's total in-kind donations since 2000 to more than 76 million pounds. This milestone equates to more than 296 million meals donated to food banks and agencies serving local communities around the country. Last year alone, Tyson donated nearly eight million pounds of protein to Feeding America. For more information on how to get involved in the fight against hunger, go to http://www.tysonhungerrelief.com

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing 6.3 million pounds of food annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. The Foodbank also operates four Kids Café sites serving over 45,000 free meals to children each year, the Backpack Program which provides over 1,200 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year and the Mobile Food Pantry which directly feeds thousands of families.

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