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Energy

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Electrical substation in middle of redevelopment area ‘a concern visually’

An electrical substation owned by MidAmerican Energy Co. is directly east of the site on which a new multiuse stadium is planned. Officials are discussing how to make the substation “look better than it does.” …
By BPC Staff | Oct 5, 2021
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Des Moines narrows proposed wildlife feeding ban

Axios Des Moines: A proposed wildlife feeding ban in Des Moines now only includes waterfowl and deer after the City Council reversed course on a far more expansive plan Monday night. Squirrels, feral cats, raccoons and …
By BPC Staff | Oct 5, 2021
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REG, ISU collaborate on renewable diesel research project

A small group tours the new hydrotreater renewable diesel research facility at the Iowa State University BioCentury Farm west of Ames on Monday. Photo by Michael Crumb

Officials from Renewable Energy Group and Iowa State University …
By BPC Staff | Oct 5, 2021
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Iowa Energy Center launches revolving loan program for energy infrastructure projects

The Iowa Energy Center board and the Iowa Economic Development Authority have opened applications for a new program that is intended to support energy infrastructure projects. According to a news release, the Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan …
By BPC Staff | Oct 4, 2021
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NOTEBOOK – ONE GOOD READ: Google is now marking hotels as green certified

A new tech solution will allow travelers to determine whether a hotel uses green practices before booking. Google is building a feature for travelers to differentiate hotels and resorts that are eco-friendly and  have sustainable …
By EMILY BARSKE | Oct 1, 2021
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Cedar Rapids City Council adopts ‘aggressive’ Community Climate Action Plan

Cedar Rapids Gazette: The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday adopted a plan committing Iowa’s second-largest city to action to slow the rapidly worsening climate, with targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to …
By BPC Staff | Sep 29, 2021
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Critics of carbon capture pipeline say Branstad appointees should recuse themselves

Des Moines Register: Critics of a proposed $4.5 billion pipeline project say Iowa Utilities Board members appointed by former Gov. Terry Branstad have a conflict of interest and should recuse themselves from decisions about the project, …
By BPC Staff | Sep 20, 2021
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Members of Farm to Table Task Force announced

The names of those who will serve on a task force to identify strategies to help farmers gain access to markets and sell their products were announced today. The Farm to Table Task Force was …
By BPC Staff | Sep 20, 2021
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Iowa-based grain cooperative struck by ransomware attack

Ransomware group BlackMatter is demanding $5.9 million from New Cooperative Inc., a Fort Dodge-based grain cooperative, following a ransomware attack around Sept. 17, Bloomberg reports. It is unclear how extensive the damage to New Cooperative’s systems is, …
By BPC Staff | Sep 20, 2021
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Iowa DNR survey shows 2020 derecho destroyed 7.2 million trees

Des Moines Register: Iowa lost an estimated 7.2 million trees in cities and farms when last year’s hurricane-force derecho swept across the state, a new Iowa Department of Natural Resources report shows. Cedar Rapids, Des Moines …
By BPC Staff | Sep 16, 2021