Tammy R. Lawson

June 19, 2008
By Tammy R. Lawson
MC Sun Staff Writer

We have all seen them wedged against a fence or blowing across the road-the ubiquitous plastic grocery bag-and the popular carry-all was the main topic at the Marshall County Board of Supervisors’ June 10th session.

Discussions were held with local citizens whether to eventually execute an ordinance that would ban non-compostable grocery bags used within the county. This ban would only affect two rural convenience stores outside of the city limits.

San Francisco was the first US city to enforce such a ban last November. If Marshall County was to follow through, it would be first in the state to do so. Other cities in California, Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Arizona, and Maryland have also considered similar bans on the infamous bag as well.

The discussion came amid growing concerns, one of which over 100 billion of the handy bags end up in America’s landfills each year. But instead of entering their trash-heap destination, many are becoming airborne to get caught in fences, trees, and power lines while also clogging the throats of wild animals, gutters, and sewers, not to mention the long-term environmental consequences.

“I’ve found bags that have blown into my corn field from who knows where,” Board member Ron Goecke said. “It’s getting out of hand.”

“I think an ordinance is unnecessary and it should be left up to the individual to decide if they want to use a plastic bag,” said local farmer Grant Upah, who was against any future proposal. “The government should stay out of this decision. On my farm, it’s not a big issue, and I can’t believe it’s a big issue on any other farm. We’ve got more important issues to deal with.”

Bag manufacturers prefer the plastic wonders because they cost only a penny per bag to produce, while many consumers prefer their ease of carrying items home from stores.

“I think all three of us on the Board have had people call us with a misunderstanding about what we’re doing,” said Board member Pat Brooks. “We’re only considering banning those with a petroleum base and this is only a discussion about it. We’re not here to ban all plastic bags.”

Bags are manufactured from crude oil, natural gas, or other petrochemical derivatives which are transformed into molecules known as polymers or polymer resin. After being heated, shaped, and cooled, the plastic is ready to be printed for merchant distribution.

But that’s a misnomer, according to Phil Rozenski, Director of Environmental Strategies for Hilex Poly LLC, a manufacturer of plastic bag products based in St. Louis, Missouri. “Plastic bags aren’t made from petroleum…they’re made from natural gas. It’s one of the biggest misconceptions out there on the internet.”

He continued, “Ninety one percent less energy is used to recycle a plastic bag than a paper bag, so we have an energy offset with the plastic bags.”

Clair Long of Marshalltown said he didn’t feel the plastic grocery bags were that much of a problem. “I’ve seen some, of course, and we expect to see some but we do reuse the plastic bags and recycle.”

Resident Mary Stewart stated in a written letter that the Board of Supervisors was to be commended for their concern over use of the bags in convenience stores rurally. “These bags pollute the environment while providing a danger to habitat and wildlife in the area.”

Environmentalists have rallied against their use for years because they are difficult to recycle and take anywhere from 400 to 1000 years to decompose, whether in landfills or your local farm land.

Melbourne resident Linda Barnes said she was a biologist who would support a proposal if one was brought forth. “On our farm, we encounter a great number of plastic bags caught in fruit trees, fence lines, and Iowa is the most altered state in the nation. We have less original eco-system than any other state and it would be nice if Marshall County could make a simple statement.”

“All this would be is a statement because we’re only affecting two businesses,” said Chairman Gordie Johnson, “but it is a starting point as to say we do care.”

“Why have we have not, as a county, embraced the efforts of the city?” asked Curt Loney. “There aren’t any city personnel here and they should be very interested. If you get the city into this, there are lots of areas we can work together on, and this is a big one.”

“We talked with the city about this several months ago, and we delivered a copy of this [proposal] so they could see our efforts,” Brooks said. “I hope the city will do something, but it has to be something that makes sense and accommodates everyone.”

There was no word if or when the issue would receive future discussion, but it’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag, and it’s not a paper one.

Members of The Iowa Utilities Board voted 2-1 in favor of Alliant Energy’s plan to build a 630-megawatt coal plant in Marshalltown.

May 8, 2008

By Tammy R. Lawson

MC Sun Staff Writer

For three hours, you could have heard a pin drop anywhere in the room.

Fate lay in the hands of the Iowa Utilities Board, which after much deliberation on everything from greenhouse gasses to economic growth, was sealed in a 2-1 favored victory for Interstate Power and Light Company (a subsidiary of Alliant Energy) to proceed with construction of its 630-megawatt coal/biomass plant in Marshalltown.

But unlike corn stalks the facility would burn, the April 30th decision wasn’t as cut and dried.

Board Chairman John Norris attached stipulations to the approved permit:

*Five percent of the plant’s electric generation must be derived from biomass within two years and 10 percent stemming from biomass within five years;

*Alliant must generate 10 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2013 (the projected start of service) and another 25 percent from renewable sources by 2028;

*If regulations are passed by Congress for the capture of carbon dioxide emissions, Alliant would be totally responsible for those emission costs without executing rate increases.

“I do think it would be a wise decision to wait a couple of years and see what strides have been made in carbon capturing,” Norris said. “But in looking at the big picture, I don’t know if all that much will change during that time.”

Board member Darrell Hanson, who voted against granting the certificate, had reservations. “I think the company may have aimed unrealistically high in assuming the cost alternatives for carbon constraints. We could approve this, but what happens if we’re wrong? You have to look at the risks and the consequences. It’s a matter of, which risk are we willing to take?”

“I think these conditions are reasonable,” said Board member Krista Tanner. “I also think as far as renewable energy goes, this application satisfies that.”

Norris added that the stipulations would reduce the burden of higher rates. “Consumers do have a lot of financial risk here, and this will add generation for the company’s customer base to support reliability, while providing continued incentive for wind/renewable energy-not only at this plant, but throughout the entire fleet in Iowa.”

IPL President Tom Aller said it was understandable for the regulatory body to add what ever conditions they wanted to the decision. “They represent our customers and the people of our state, so that’s what their job is. We take no issue whatsoever with the board wanting to condition the first part of this case.”

Mayor Gene Beach, also in attendance, was satisfied. “I believe that this is just the first step on many good announcements to come as a result of IPL selecting Marshalltown as its site for the most efficient plant in the Midwest.”

The following day, Beach received a phone call from Newton Mayor Chaz Allen, who’s city is constructing a 1.5 megawatt wind turbine facility, congratulating Marshalltown on its accomplishment.

“We discussed how the proposed plant will benefit all of us with jobs during construction, as well as the generation fees that will be coming in once generation starts,” Beach said. “We also discussed how the new TPI blade plant in Newton will fit nicely with Alliant’s wind generation plans…this means a great deal for the city, the area, and the state.”

But while the celebrating commenced for some, disappointment ensued for others, bringing the old saying “it ain’t over ’til it’s over” into play.

Speculation is high that Plains Justice attorneys Carrie La Seur and Jana Linderman, who represented five environmental organizations opposing the plant during January’s IUB hearing, may appeal the decision and block the necessary air quality permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources which is due by September, and contingent upon the final written decision expected in a few weeks.

“We believe that we prevailed on most factual issues and are very disappointed that the IUB didn’t rule in our favor,” La Seur said. “We are pleased with the Board’s recognition of its obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, we remain concerned with the negative environmental impacts of this plant, and it is far from clear that this ruling will do anything to meaningfully reduce [those] emissions all the members identified as a problem.”

Linderman added, “While we had asked that the Board deny the certificate, their approval is subject to a number of major conditions, and we will have to review the final written order carefully before making a firm decision how to respond.”

Denison native Jim Hansen, head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, also testified in January and was equally disappointed with the vote. “The decision makes no sense for the people of Iowa and the creatures of the planet. It especially short changes our children and grandchildren for the short term benefit of a small number of special interests who benefit by the burning of a cheap, dirty fuel.”

He continued, “Coal serves the interest of only a handful of oligarchs, but our officials are letting these special interests ride roughshod over the public, our planet, and creation. This is a case of cutting the baby in half-a dastardly deed. Somebody had better object real soon.”

Until the DNR decision is handed down on air quality, plant supporters like local Alliant representative Kenn Vinson are basking in the after-vote, for now. “An extremely big hurdle has been cleared.”

Marshall County Sun© Copyright 2008

January 17, 2008

Tammy R. Lawson,
MC Sun Staff Writer -

Alliant Energy and its contender of multiple oppositions came out of their corners swinging at Monday’s Iowa Utilities Board hearing in what promises to be a heavyweight match up - and what’s at stake is the basis of the entire fight.

Plains Justice Law attorneys Carrie La Seur and Jana Linderman are representing five organizations against Interstate Power and Light Company (a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation), along with three other Cooperative partners, in a quest to knock down a proposed 630-megawatt hybrid coal/biomass power plant capable of burning coal, switch grass, and corn stalks. This $1.5 billion facility would service 94 of Iowa’s 99 counties.

The organizations - Community Energy Solutions, Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Farmers Union, Iowa Renewable Energy Association, and the Iowa Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility - began presenting witness testimony, including that of NASA’s world-renowned Chief Climatologist, on repercussions that could affect public health and environmental issues, but not before the community got a chance to voice their opinions to the three-member Board first.

The doors of the Iowa Veteran’s Home’s Whitehall Auditorium opened to the public at 9:00am. Five minutes later, it was standing room only. From citizens to elected officials, public statements were ongoing for the next two hours.

“They’ve designed the proposed plant to be the cleanest and most efficient built in Iowa, and maybe the United States,” said Mayor Gene Beach, who started off the procession. “The design would also produce more energy with fewer emissions than our current plant…that’s why I would think the environmentalists would want this plant built.”

State Representative Mark Smith agreed. “As a legislator with a strong record of supporting laws and protecting our environment, I believe our efforts to make Iowa a green state are paying off; this plant is designed to take advantage of emerging technologies, while providing my community a catalysis to pursue emerging, clean industries that offer quality jobs.”

Amid hushed speculation that Lennox Industries of Marshalltown could eventually outsource their furnace and air conditioning operations to Mexico - terminating the jobs of over 1100 employees, the construction of Sutherland Unit #4 would guarantee stability for the region by supplying a variant of 1200 jobs. That translates into over one million labor hours for each five-year construction period.

It is well known that the demand for energy continues to grow, and as far as Beach is concerned, it’s inevitable. “Every flat screen tv set requires five percent more energy than an older model. All the server farms (e.g. Google, the internet search engine in Council Bluffs) demand more and more energy, and ethanol plants demand a huge amount of energy.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association would likely agree. Iowa has 28 ethanol plants that produce about 2 billion gallons of ethanol a year, with 12 more plants under construction, in addition to five expansion projects at existing facilities. If those alone will add 1.2 billion gallons of production capacity, there’s a good chance Iowa will run out of extension cords.

But is a coal powered plant the way to go?

“I believe we have overwhelming support,” Main Street Community Vice President Kathy Baker said. “I also know that we all need to find ways to conserve energy, but people are moving here because of jobs - not because of mountains or rivers.”

‘LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE’ comes to mind.

Greenhouse gases, environmental destruction, financial obligations, carbon emissions, and the physical condition were just a few of the legitimate concerns brought to the microphone. And though there were a lesser number of opposing statements in comparison to those backing the issue, there was no lack of concern.

Reverend Benjamin Webb of Cedar Falls presented his statement with conviction, emphasizing that without common sense, “We have the capability to have Dante’s Inferno here on Earth.”

The Board was handed a petition from former county extension educator Bill Helgen containing 180 signatures from surrounding communities, warning of issues that wouldn’t be conducive to the financial and well being of the state.

“I’m not going to stand here and argue about money,” said Jonathon Buffalo of Tama. “There is a saying: You can’t ruin your house if you have to stay in your house, and whatever you put in the air is going to come down. Why let my children and grand children play Russian Roulette with their lives?”

Former Marshall County Extension Director Sally Wilson read a letter from Marshalltown Pediatrician Dr. Jim Metzger, who stressed his concern for the effects such a plant would bestow upon the entire physical community.

Melbourne’s Mark Runquist said, “It is the duty of the IUB to safeguard the public interest - not to guarantee a risk free investment for the management and stockholders of this company.”

Runquist brought to light the November 2007 signing of the Greenhouse Gas Accord by Governor Chet Culver, which agrees to lower global warming pollution up to 80% by the year 2050, adding that “new coal plants would contradict this policy”.

At the same time, some have criticized the governor for not speaking out enough in opposition of this plant, along with a similar plant proposal in Waterloo. In his defense, Culver spokesman Brad Anderson was stated as saying, “The governor is going to continue to do everything in his power to increase use of renewable energy, knowing we are going to be living with coal-fired power plants to some extent in the foreseeable future to produce base-load electricity.”

(Incidentally, Culver has set a goal of producing enough wind energy by 2015 to power 500,000 homes and cut carbon emissions by more than 7 billion tons per year.)

Perhaps the most anticipated one-two punch has come from the top climate scientist in the country, Denison native James Hansen, head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York. For some time, Hansen has spoken numerously throughout the country about carbon sequestration.

“Coal use is the major factor that will determine the magnitude of the human-caused climate change,” Hansen said in a written statement. “There is much more CO2 in coal than in oil and gas because of the size of the reservoirs in the ground. A large fraction of the CO2 we put in the air by burning fossil fuels will stay in the air more than 1,000 years.”

He continued, “[Although] it is not practical to catch CO2 coming out of vehicular tailpipes, and oil is going to run out over the next several decades, it is possible to capture CO2 at power plants, and any new coal plants should capture it.”

Hansen also discredited the notion of the new plant being part of a large, economical/environmental stand off. “The economics-versus-environment issue is a false one. The cheapest source of energy is energy efficiency, and if power plants made more money by helping us be efficient (rather than making more money when they sell us more energy), you can bet they would find a lot of ways to do it.”

When asked why he felt compelled to speak as a private citizen, he replied, “I have grandchildren who will inherit what we leave them. I see a train wreck coming down the road if we don’t get off the business-as-usual path.”

“No one is interested in ruining the environment,” remarked Beach. “If coal is as bad as the opponents say it is, we would all have three legs and two heads. Reason must prevail here.”

Marshalltown resident Dianna Flaten feels the way many do. “I’m torn, but there are a lot of people out of work that need to work. If it’s not going to destroy the environment, I’m all for it.”

Due to the list of expert testimony and cross examinations, the hearing is expected to last several days, and the Iowa Utilities Board will render its final decision mid summer. It’s also safe to say no one will be throwing in the towel on this one, but at least they shook hands first.

Marshall County Sun© Copyright 2008