Branstad Appoints New EPC Members with Deep Ties to Factory Farm Industry

Governor Branstad appointed Bob Sinclair and Gene Ver Steeg, both with deep roots in corporate ag,  to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission (EPC). There is still one open spot on the EPC that has not been filled.The EPC is the citizen oversight board of the Iowa Department of National Resources (DNR) and is charged with overseeing DNR decisions, rulemaking and factory farm applications, permits and violations.Gene Ver Steeg raises about 20,000 corporate hogs per year on 4 factory farms in Northwest Iowa, is the former president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and former EPC member from 2008-2011.  He is quoted by the Wall Street Journal saying that implementing the Clean Water Act in Iowa is a waste of money. Bob Sinclair is a former employee of Cargill and currently owns a tractor dealership outside of Sigourney, Iowa. The EPC now consists of 8 members with the following ties to the factory farm industry:

•  Bob Sinclair – Former president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and factory farmer
• Gene Ver Steeg – Former Cargill employee
• Brent Rastetter – Owner of Quality Ag, factory farm construction
• Mary Boote – Former agriculture advisor to Governor Branstad
• Nancy Couser – Owner of Couser Cattle Company
• Cindy Greiman – Factory farm owner, sales associate for Monsanto & member of the Iowa Beef Board
• Max Smith – Board Member and President of Agribusiness Association of Iowa & General Manager of Smith Fertilizer and Grain
• Joanne Stockdale – Owner and President of Northern Iowa Die Casting

CCI members regularly attend EPC meetings for clean water issues like the ABI rule and the ban on manure application on soybeans.  This summer we will be engaging the EPC again when the DNR begins the rulemaking stage of the Federal Clean Water Act.

This is why we know that elections are important.

We need elected and appointed officials that work for the people, not corporations.  As we gear up for the summer of clean water we will continue to hold Govorner Branstad and the Iowa EPC accountable to work for The People, not their personal business interests. 

At the annual CCI convention there will be an in depth workshop on our work with the Environmental Protection Agency, the DNR and the Clean Water Act.  Join us on Saturday, July 13^th to learn more about how we hold polluters, elected and appointed officials accountable.