Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council Selects Consultant

The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council (ICCAC) approved by a vote of 13 to 3 to formalize a relationship with Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) to assist as consultant and facilitator for recommending multiple scenarios to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. The Council met by teleconference at 9 a.m. today.

Members voting against the contract expressed their concern that the process was rushed and that due diligence should provide opportunity for other entities to present to the Council.

Those objections were countered by members who said the selection of the consultant was a DNR staff assignment and that they were comfortable with the DNR’s recommendation.

CCS will provide their services at no cost to Iowa taxpayers. Their activities are funded by 25 foundations, including the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. No majority funding will be provided by a single foundation and no funding will involve a contingent outcome.

CCS currently provides facilitation and technical analysis to 16 states, including Minnesota, Michigan and New Mexico. Tom Peterson, CCS executive director, said his organization provides “the development of consensus-based policies and plans in an open and transparent process.”

Work will be supplemented by 3 to 4 local technical experts on each Council subcommittee, and Council members can bring forward information from their favored experts throughout the process.

The activities of the ICCAC are posted at www.iowadnr.gov/iccac. For more information contact Jason Marcel, Supervisor, Emissions Inventory (515) 281-4873.