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Energy

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Emerald ash borer spreads to Adair, Adams counties

The tree-killing emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Adams and Adair counties, the state reported. More than a third of Iowa counties now have confirmed the pest, which kills ash trees by disrupting their food …
By BPC Staff | Oct 13, 2016
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Des Moines Water Works eyes 10 percent rate increase next year

The Des Moines Water Works’ long discussion of a 10 percent rate increase is set for a final vote Oct. 25.


The new budget combines the expense of keeping nitrate and disinfection byproducts at safe…
By BPC Staff | Oct 12, 2016
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Urbandale tech company considers an expansion

Energy Control Technologies, an Urbandale-based company that provides automation control systems for the oil and gas, biofuels and industrial and manufacturing markets, plans to expand its operations. The Urbandale City Council will be asked during …
By BPC Staff | Oct 11, 2016
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Iowa farms get safety-net payments

KCRG-TV: Nearly all Iowa farms, about 154,000 enrolled in safety-net programs, are going to get financial assistance for the 2015 crop year. The programs are designed to protect against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues …
By BPC Staff | Oct 11, 2016
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This year was third-wettest in recorded Iowa history

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources uses a calendar that ends Sept. 30 to measure how wet a certain year is. We’re guessing that has to do with the federal budget year. The 2016 water …
By BPC Staff | Oct 11, 2016
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ISU to offer conservation camp courses in Montana

A Montana ranch donated by an Iowa State University alumnus will be the home of a new conservation education camp for the university. The new Rod and Connie French Conservation Education Camp, nestled in the …
By BPC Staff | Oct 7, 2016
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Stiles to lead egg, poultry groups

Agriculture industry veteran Kevin Stiles has been named executive director of the Iowa Poultry Association and the Iowa Egg Council. Stiles most recently served as senior vice president of business development for Midwest Dairy Association. …
By BPC Staff | Oct 7, 2016
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REG completes $34.5M renovation of Illinois plant

Ames-based biofuels company Renewable Energy Group has completed $34.5 million in upgrades at its Danville, Ill., biorefinery. The work included the addition of biodiesel distillation. The plan is to use a wider assortment of feedstocks …
By BPC Staff | Oct 6, 2016
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Panelists: Weak political will = bad water quality

Des Moines Water Works chief Bill Stowe and others on a Drake University panel Wednesday said the weak political will of Iowa’s leaders has left waterways polluted with toxic algae, health-threatening nitrate runoff and a…
By PERRY BEEMAN | Oct 6, 2016
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REG expands line of credit to $150M, with option of $200M

Ames-based biofuels company Renewable Energy Group, Inc. has signed an agreement with Wells Fargo Bank Capital Finance and Fifth Third Bank to expand the company’s line of credit to $150 million from $60 million. Fifth …
By BPC Staff | Oct 5, 2016