Brittney J. Miller

Last year was the 25th driest year on record, according to Iowa DNR report released Thursday. But this year is off to a good start.

Iowa lawmakers cast doubts over the proposal’s success. Meanwhile, other legislators plan to file additional bills regarding state water quality and environment.

To learn more about what could be expected, the Gazette spoke with the policy manager for the Center For Rural Affairs.

However, the Iowa Utilities Board denied further consideration regarding 200 megawatts of solar and 75 megawatts of battery storage at Duane Arnold.

Findings could impact federal recommendations for monarch conservation and aid efforts in making agricultural landscapes more biodiverse.

Explore Iowa Department of Natural Resource findings through a Gazette data visualization.

The Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency is narrowing down its search for alternate waste management options.

One of the most widely used snow-fighting agents — rock salt — comes at a price, both financially and environmentally.

Rates will likely continue to gradually increase, thanks to landfill closure and more expensive waste management options.

On Monday, representatives of the Iowa Utilities Board, utilities, cooperatives and associations across the state gathered in Des Moines to discuss their preparation in advance of wintry threats.

The Bayer Fund grant will help the program train its seasonal apprentices in no-till production for cover crops.

NEWSTRACK | CATCHING UP ON AN EARLIER STORY: In east-central Iowa, the crops south of Interstate 80 fared worse than those north of the interstate.

DNR says no, but several water quality experts disagree.

As much as 60% of the region’s energy could come from wind and solar — which has a lower energy output than the non-renewables being retired.

NEWSTRACK | CATCHING UP ON AN EARLIER STORY: In east-central Iowa, the crops south of Interstate 80 fared worse than those north of the interstate.