Iowa House Bill HSB301

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 3/5/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to animal feeding operations, by providing for the regulation of anaerobic digester systems, providing fees, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Impact

One of the significant implications of HSB301 is its potential influence on the state's agricultural practices and environmental policies. By regulating anaerobic digesters under the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the bill is expected to strengthen oversight on how animal agriculture manages manure. The bill includes specific distance requirements between digester structures and surrounding environments, such as residential areas and water sources, thereby aiming to mitigate risks to water quality and air quality from emissions. The construction permit process outlined in the bill is similar to that of existing manure storage structures, indicating a robust regulatory approach to managing the environmental impact of these operations.

Summary

House Study Bill 301 (HSB301) seeks to establish comprehensive regulations for anaerobic digester systems in Iowa. The bill provides guidelines for the construction, operation, and management of these systems, which are designed to process manure and other organic materials for biogas production. It mandates the inclusion of a digestate management supplement in existing manure management plans and sets forth new requirements for the storage, application, and transportation of digestates—materials rich in nutrients produced through anaerobic digestion. This aims to enhance environmental protection while allowing effective utilization of digestate as fertilizer.

Contention

While supporters argue that HSB301 will provide clear guidelines and promote best practices for manure management and renewable energy production, there are concerns regarding the potential for increased regulatory burden on farmers. Critics worry that the new requirements could impose additional costs and complicate the process of establishing or expanding anaerobic digesters. There are also apprehensions that the bill may not adequately address specific local environmental challenges, which could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to regulation that may not suit all agricultural contexts throughout Iowa.