Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — Governor Kim Reynolds says the state and federal government should stick with the voluntary approach to reducing farm chemical runoff into Iowa waterways.
A report commissioned by Iowa’s largest county has found nitrate levels in the rivers used to provide drinking water in the Des Moines metro are among the highest in the United States.
Reynolds says since she took over as governor eight years ago, the state has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to help farmers install conservation practices that improve water quality.
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack served 12 years as the nation’s secretary of agriculture. He says there is definitely a role for the federal government in cleaning up waterways, but Vilsack suggests it’s supporting new ways to use manure from Iowa livestock operations.
Vilsack says manure is generating energy and fuel in other parts of the country, and the federal government should support research and projects that turn manure into a commodity that’s sold like corn and beans.
Vilsack says there are other creative solutions, like sensor technology that determines how much farm chemicals are needed on crop land.
Vilsack made his comments during taping of the “Iowa Press” program, which airs tonight (Friday) on Iowa PBS.
