by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch
March 6, 2024
A bill prohibiting local governments from passing more restrictive topsoil and storm water regulations than those set by the Department of Natural Resources failed Wednesday in the Iowa House.
Senate File 455 failed on a 44-49 vote — an unusual event given that the majority Republicans hold 64 seats.
The bill proposed prohibiting local regulations on stormwater runoff that are more restrictive than the state’s existing flow rates based on five-year frequencies. The bill also would bar local regulations related to topsoil preservation, compaction, placement or depth that are more restrictive than those set by the DNR.
