Madeleine King
/
Iowa Public Radio
With U.S. electricity demand expected to grow significantly by the end of the decade, and the U.S. Department of Energy trying to achieve net-zero emissions in the power sector by 2035, more clean power will need to come online. In eastern Iowa, the potential restart of a nuclear plant could signal what’s ahead for the country.
James Kelley
/
Iowa Public Radio
-
All eyes are on the small city of Palo after Google shifted its plans to build a data center there. Some residents are worried about water use and question the tech giant's motivations. The mayor says he sees an upside to the new development but plans to put protections in place for the community. -
Linn County officials say Google is now pursuing a data center through annexation with the city of Palo rather than building it in an unincorporated part of the county. The plans would allow the tech giant to bypass protections against excessive water use and noise pollution that county supervisors passed last month. -
The Big Beautiful Bill brought some changes to federal taxes. An ISU Extension financial educator shares the changes you should know before you file and resources that can help. Then, University of Iowa researchers talk about the Cancer Analytics & Maps for Small Areas map (CAMSA), a new tool they’ve developed that maps cancer risk down to your ZIP code, and how this tool could be an asset to public health officials, advocates and others. Finally — the Trump administration is rewriting the safety rules for nuclear power. An NPR reporter discusses these changes and what they could mean for Iowans.
-
The Linn County Board of Supervisors has approved rezoning that supports NextEra Energy's effort to recommission the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Palo. The project still needs approval from multiple state and federal authorities, but county supervisors say the rezoning gives Linn County residents a seat at the table. -
The federal government issued a regional emergency declaration that waives regulations for truckers carrying residential heating fuel in 10 states, including Iowa. Truck drivers carrying propane, natural gas or heating oil are allowed to exceed the federal limits on driving hours until Jan. 15 due to pipeline disruptions. -
NextEra Energy’s proposed reopening of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in eastern Iowa is drawing mixed reactions. Local leaders laud the potential economic boost associated with the development, while environmentalists and some residents warn of concerns related to nuclear waste storage and water supply.
-
State and federal leaders want to grow nuclear energy. Supporters are excited about the job opportunities this could bring, while others are concerned about potential health and environmental effects.
-
Renewable energy from wind and solar rose to 67% last year in Iowa. But tariffs and a rollback on federal tax credits could dampen momentum. -
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources hosted a public meeting and hearing Wednesday on a wastewater permit amendment requested by Interstate Power and Light. Several environmental groups argue the draft permit allows Alliant Energy, the parent company, to bypass a federal law passed in 2024.
