SF 2248 (LSB 5780SV (4) 85)

SENATE FILE 2248

BY  COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

(SUCCESSOR TO SF 2159)

(As Amended and Passed by the Senate 2014-03-03)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to management of the emerald ash borer.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  EMERALD ASH BORER ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
   1.  The department of natural resources, in cooperation with the department of agriculture and land stewardship, shall establish an emerald ash borer advisory committee for the purpose of developing a statewide comprehensive plan to address issues related to the emerald ash borer and how to best assist rural landowners and municipalities in dealing with the emerald ash borer and the aftereffects of its infestation. In considering both the short-term and long-term opportunities and solutions, the advisory committee shall review and analyze relevant issues and make recommendations regarding the state’s rural and urban ash tree resources including but not limited to all of the following:
   a.  The current status of Iowa’s rural and urban ash tree resources and any activities and programs related to managing emerald ash borer impacts.
   b.  The cost of completing an inventory of ash trees for local governments and for property owners in urban and rural settings.
   c.  The cost of removal of ash trees for local governments and for property owners in urban and rural settings.
   d.  The potential public safety threat posed by dead and dying ash trees.
   e.  The cost of replacing ash trees for local governments and for property owners in urban and rural settings with a focus on providing for a diversity of tree species.
   f.  In consultation with landfill operators, energy utility providers, and other related stakeholders, a review of wood waste removal issues and potential solutions and uses for wood waste.
   g.  A review of the emerald ash borer management strategies of other midwestern states.
   2.  By November 14, 2014, the advisory committee shall submit a final report with findings and recommendations to the governor and the general assembly.
   3.  The task force shall be composed of the following members:
   a.  The following members of the task force shall be appointed by the governor:
   (1)  One representative of the coalition for Iowa’s woodlands and trees.
   (2)  One representative of the Iowa woodland owners association.
   (3)  One representative of trees forever.
   (4)  One representative of the Iowa tree farm committee.
   (5)  One representative of the Iowa arborist association.
   (6)  One representative of the northeast Iowa forestry advisory committee.
   (7)  One representative of the Iowa association of county conservation boards.
   (8)  One representative of the Iowa farm bureau federation.
   (9)  One representative of the Iowa urban tree council.
   (10)  One representative of the Iowa chapter of the society of American foresters.
   (11)  One representative of the Iowa league of cities.
   (12)  One representative of the Iowa insurance institute.
   (13)  One representative of the Iowa nursery and landscape association.
   (14)  Two representatives of wood products producers in Iowa.
   (15)  One representative of the forestry consulting industry in Iowa.
   (16)  One representative of the Iowa utilities board.
   (17)  One representative of municipal foresters in Iowa.
   (18)  One representative of a bio-energy project from the university of Iowa.
   (19)  One representative of the Iowa chapter of the American public works association.
   (20)  One representative of the Iowa society of solid waste operations.
   (21)  One representative of the Iowa chapter of the sierra club.
   (22)  One representative of county conservation directors in Iowa.
   b.  The director of the department of transportation or the director’s designee.
   c.  The director of the department of natural resources or the director’s designee.
   d.  The secretary of agriculture or the secretary’s designee.
   e.  Two ex officio members of each house of the general assembly. One member each shall be selected by the majority leader of the senate and by the minority leader of the senate, and one member each shall be selected by the speaker of the house of representatives and by the minority leader of the house of representatives. Members of the general assembly shall be entitled to receive per diem and necessary travel and actual expenses pursuant to section 2.10, subsection 5, while carrying out their official duties as members of the advisory committee.
   4.  The director of the department of natural resources, or the director’s designee, and the secretary of agriculture, or the secretary’s designee, shall serve as co-chairpersons of the advisory committee.
    Sec. 2.  EMERALD ASH BORER INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE.  The legislative council is requested to establish an interim study committee, composed of members of the senate and house of representatives, to meet during the 2014 interim, to review the report submitted by the emerald ash borer advisory committee. The study committee shall present its findings and recommendations in a report to the 2015 session of the general assembly.