Iowa's natural resource priorities will be the topic of three listening sessions sponsored by state legislators in January.
Meetings are set for:
-- Carroll on Thursday, January 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Swan Lake Park Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Drive;
-- Marion on Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m. to noon, Kirkwood College Marion Center, 2900 8th Avenue;
-- Ames on Thursday, January 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Room 101, College of Design Building, Iowa State University (Sheldon Avenue Extension, east from Hyland Avenue).
The events are being co-hosted by State Senator Dick Dearden of Des Moines, chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee, and State Rep. Chuck Isenhart of Dubuque, ranking member of the House Environmental Protection Committee. Area legislators have also been invited to sit on the listening panels.
Interested groups and the public are welcome to testify on conservation, climate, energy, environment and related issues, including outdoor recreation and state parks.
"We are setting our agenda for the 85th General Assembly, which covers 2013 and 2014," lsenhart said. "This is a chance for people who care about sustainable development and stewardship of our natural heritage to let us know what should be on our legislative to-do list so we can best serve the public interest," according to Isenhart. "For example, one of my questions is how can we make infrastructure investments in and create jobs through the production and use of all kinds of renewable energy."
According to Dearden, the committees are also looking for input on clean water, clean air, soil, wildlife, wetlands, habitat, rivers, lakes and trails.
Anyone may testify. Priority will be given to people who sign up in advance and those speaking for a group. Written input will also be collected for sharing with other legislators. To sign up, email bill.freeland@legis.iowa.gov or call 515-281-6311.
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