Environmental Justice

Join other UUs, and others that share our values, in taking action.

Current issues:

CO2 Pipelines

The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) will be voting on proposals to construct hazardous CO2 pipelines throughout Iowa. If approved, this would:

Extend the use of oil and ethanol, while the world needs actual proven, clean infrastructure, such as wind & solar energy. Research does not support claims that this is a viable option to lessen the impact of industry on our atmosphere.
Allow eminent domain abuse, forcing landowners to give up their right to choose what goes through their property. Eminent domain must only be used when it serves a public service, and because these CO2 pipelines benefit corporations and NOT the public, eminent domain should NOT be used.
Damage our land permanently, as have oil pipelines in Iowa — farmland was irreparably damaged at the expense of farmers.
Pose a huge safety threat to rural and indigenous communities in the occurrence of a leak or explosion. C02 is an asphyxiant that causes lasting respiratory damage or death. Emergency vehicles will NOT be able to run in affected areas because oxygen would be displaced by the CO2.

Please write the IUB, telling them to VOTE NO on these dangerous unproven CCS pipelines. (Tell them to vote “NO” to Docket Numbers HL-2021-0001, HLP-2021-0003, and HLP-2022-0002.)

An easy way to send this message to the IUB, and help others send this message, is to download this PDF of a postcard, print it on cardstock, and pass these out to your congregation or other groups. Please ask them to write their name and address legibly, sign it, and mail it.

To get connected with more UUs working to stop these CO2 pipelines, contact Sally Hartman at sallyahartman@hotmail.com.

Water Quality

Attend this Water Quality In-Depth Week, part of The Gazette’s Iowa Ideas 2023 series. These sessions are free via zoom and are noon to 1 PM each day, March 20 – 24.
Monday: Water Quality Policy Overview
Tuesday: Private Wells
Wednesday: Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy turns 10
Thursday: Emerging Contaminants
Friday: Keeping the water flowing: How do cities troubleshoot water challenges?

Coal plants

IUUWAN is supporting the Iowa Environmental Council's work to stop a bill to remove oversight of coal plant spending. A bill passed the House and, is awaiting debate by the Iowa Senate, and will likely move quickly. It is vital for your legislators to hear from you today, asking them to reject Senate File 198. Take action now: Tell your senator to reject stripping away meaningful checks and balances for Iowa customers.

IUUWAN Board Member, Shirley Whiteside at Capitol protest

The Iowa Capitol Rotunda was filled with the boisterous sounds of the CCI Peoples Lobby Day rally. The crowd quieted for the passionate speakers, including Shirley Whiteside, a member of the Cedar Valley UU Congregation and an IUUWAN Board member.

Looking for Engagement with Iowa UUs–Volunteer Opportunities

We have spots on the board and on each of our task forces: Environmental Justice, LGBTQiA Justice and Racial Justice. Commitments vary–some as little as an hour or two every three months.

We are Unitarian Universalists!

We are Unitarian Universalists, people of many backgrounds who have different beliefs, but shared values. Together, we offer a guided path towards a better you and a better world. Get to know us in this short animated video.

Project Drawdown, 100 solutions for climate stability

A Pipe Dream for Pipe Peddlers
When it comes to the role of carbon capture technology in addressing the climate crisis the science is unequivocal. Yes, at some point in the future directly removing carbon from the atmosphere will be necessary to offset the most stubborn emissions. But dramatically cutting emissions today is the only way to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

The Making of a Climate Action Warrior

Miriam Kashia will share her experiences as a climate activist and some adventures and lessons learned along the way. She’ll share her mottos: “Action is the antidote to despair,” and “Everything we do matters” and how they have guided her life as an activist.

Support a Farm Bill That Works for Iowans

If you want a farm bill that supports SNAP benefits, protects the environment, communities, and water sources, provides justice for Black farmers, and ensures the health and safety of those who work the land, send this postcard to your U.S. Senators and Representative.

Water testing was too good for ag polluting companies, so the legislature cut $500,000

Two legislators, Senators Tom Shipley, and Dan Zumbach pressured University of Iowa officials not to allow Jones to continue posting on the University of Iowa-hosted website, with an implied threat of legislative funding to the university being impacted. After allowing Jones one final post, which university officials censored, Jones is moving his commentary off-site. He offered his resignation shortly afterward.

Earth Day Celebration

Armando, a Guatemalan environmentalist, shares his dream of reforestation when his seedlings planted by UU volunteers grow into a healthy trees and the beginnings of a forest. Check out the video!

Tissue Issue: Who gives a…

Who wouldn’t want to save the Boreal Forest? It is a Canadian wilderness sacred to indigenous people, where a unique ecosystem thrives and sequesters carbon. All of us can take action! Every day!

Webinar by Jean Eells: Changing Narratives about Growing Food

The soil that grows food is in danger as widespread tillage practices cause a steady, invisible degradation of soil, harming microbes essential for growing plants. Renewal and resilience is possible, necessary, and urgently needed! On Thursday, April 13, learn about steps everyone can take to work the levers of change.

Two UU Society members, Deb Dee and Sally Hartman, join forces with the 100Grannies for a Livable Future to appose Iowa CO2 Pipelines. They write letters to landowners without internet access to inform them of legal issues, meetings, and resources.

The home of the UU Society of Iowa City/Coralville, the greenest church in Iowa, demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability. It is a net zero building that averages zero energy drawn from the grid annually.

The home of the UU Society of Iowa City/Coralville is "The Greenest Church in Iowa," and demonstrates commitment to environmental sustainability. It is a net zero building that is all electric, has four EV charging stations, and averages, annually, zero energy drawn from the grid.