Established by Iowa Code section 455B.851 in 2007, the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council is responsible for providing policy options for reducing statewide greenhouse gases, while also considering the cost-effectiveness of different scenarios. The Council consists of twenty-three (23) voting members appointed by the Governor, and serve three-year staggered terms. The Council is also comprised of four (4) non-voting, ex-officio members from the General Assembly. As part of the 2010 State Government Reorganization (Senate File 2088), the Council will be disbanded on July 1, 2011.
The Final Report of the Council was finished December 23, 2008 and presents two scenarios designed to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and 90% from a 2005 baseline by the year 2050. For the 50% reduction by 2050, the Council proposes approximately a 1% reduction by 2012 and an 11% reduction by 2020. For the 90% reduction scenario, the Council proposes a 3% reduction by 2012 and a 22% reduction 2020.
While DNR is charged with staffing the Council, the Council collaborated with the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) to facilitate the Council's work under DNR's oversight from October 2007 - December 2008. Documents from that collaboration may be viewed at www.iaclimatechange.us. Questions regarding the Council may be directed to Marnie Stein of the DNR at (515) 281-8468 or Marnie.Stein@dnr.iowa.gov.