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Energy

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Report: Nitrate levels rising, many wells not tested

A new study of private wells shows nitrate levels have increased over the past 15 years, and only a fraction of wells are being tested.

The Iowa Environmental Council and the Environmental Working Group analyzed test …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Apr 24, 2019
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Flood Recovery Advisory Board members named

On Monday, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the members for the Flood Recovery Advisory Board, which was created by executive order to help coordinate a comprehensive flood recovery and rebuilding effort. The board’s first meeting will …
By BPC Staff | Apr 23, 2019
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Nonperforming farm loans remain at pre-recession levels

U.S. farm banks increased agricultural lending by 5.3%, or $5.5 billion, to $108 billion in 2018, according to the American Bankers Association’s annualFarm Bank Performance Report. The report — an analysis by ABA’s economic research …
By BPC Staff | Apr 23, 2019
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Small ag banks mitigate the risk of rising demand for farm loans

Successful Farming: In an indirect sign of stress in the farm sector, small agricultural banks are making adjustments, such as syndicating loans and charging higher interest rates, to offset risk in the face of high …
By BPC Staff | Apr 22, 2019
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NOTEBOOK: It’s Earth Day. Here’s how one building is making less trash

In honor of Earth Day, here’s a look at the “greenest academic building in the country,” courtesy of the New York Times. The building that houses the University of California-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business was …
By CHRIS CONETZKEY | Apr 22, 2019
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$12 million contract awarded for levee repair near Hamburg

The Army Corps of Engineers in Omaha says it has awarded a $12 million contract to repair a Missouri River levee near Hamburg, Iowa, that broke during catastrophic flooding in March, reports the Des Moines Register. …
By BPC Staff | Apr 22, 2019
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On Earth Day, a new treatment for Mother Earth

Des Moines Water Works and the Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority will commission a $2.5 million pump station today that will direct nitrates removed from the Raccoon River for special treatment so they can be …
By BPC Staff | Apr 22, 2019
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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: Severe air turbulence expected to worsen due to climate change

Here’s some news that could literally shake up air travelers, particularly if you’re a frequent flyer. More severe midair turbulence caused by climate change is making air travel more dangerous for flight attendants and passengers …
By JOE GARDYASZ | Apr 18, 2019
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Ex-DuPont worker gets prison for theft of ethanol secrets

Associated Press: A judge has sentenced a former DuPont manager to 3½ years in prison for stealing valuable trade secrets about its ethanol fuel business and giving them to a competitor who hired him. U.S. District …
By BPC Staff | Apr 18, 2019
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Iowa officials praise EPA rule blasted by nonprofits

Four Iowa officials, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, this week submitted comments praising a new water-quality rule that is especially controversial among farmers, while 155 nongovernment organizations called the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposal the “Dirty Water …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Apr 17, 2019