Executive Order 9

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WHEREAS,

WHEREAS,

WHEREAS, WHEREAS,

WHEREAS, WHEREAS,

WHEREAS,

Susie

aly fate doy Executive epartment

IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF IOWA

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER NINE

the Governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board recommended the launch of a carbon sequestration task force to “study [carbon sequestration] further, including its economic value and agronomic impact on row crop production in the state”; and

Iowa is a recognized leader in agriculture and renewable fuels; and

carbon sequestration can offer new revenue streams for Iowa farmers and renewable energy producers impacted by market price and profitability challenges; and

“carbon markets” can provide opportunity for consumers of fossil fuels to compensate farmers and others who sequester carbon for the right to put carbon in the atmosphere; and

the climate solutions market could double from $1 trillion per year to $2 trillion per year by 2025; and

private partners have already begun participating in early-stage carbon management markets; and

the State of lowa would greatly benefit from an exploration and discussion on the future of carbon sequestration within our state and across the Midwest.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby order the establishment of the Carbon Sequestration Task Force to serve as the central point of coordination for efforts to study carbon sequestration, including its economic value and agronomic impact on row crop production in the State of Iowa.

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PURPOSE AND DUTIES

The Carbon Sequestration Task Force shall identify and examine opportunities for carbon sequestration strategies that can have a positive impact on lowa’s economy and our long-term sustainability efforts. The Task Force will take a comprehensive approach in working across multiple industries including but not limited to agriculture, natural resources, energy, and transportation.

The duties of the Carbon Sequestration Task Force shall include, but are not limited to, advising the Governor on:

A. Reviewing the research on carbon sequestration, considering any gaps in current assessments, and determining whether new research, standards, or definitions should be developed;

B. Discussing the economic opportunities presented by carbon sequestration for Iowa’s agriculture economy and renewable fuel sector and exploring how best to capitalize on them:

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C. Identifying the role, if any, of state government in carbon markets and exploring the need for carbon sequestration strategies to align or otherwise build upon current soil and water quality frameworks; and

D. Determining whether Iowa should form a regional strategy for carbon sequestration with state partners.

The Carbon Sequestration Task Force shall also provide oversight and coordination of all working groups established by this Executive Order.

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION

Task Force Membership. The Governor shall serve as a member and the chair of the Task Force. The Secretary of Agriculture shall serve as a member and the vice- chair of the Task Force. The Governor shall appoint additional members to the Task Force as deemed necessary by the Governor, which shall include two members of the Iowa Senate to serve as non-voting, ex officio members (one from the majority party and one from the minority party) and two members of the lowa House of Representatives to serve as non-voting, ex officio members (one from the majority party and one from the minority party).

Working Groups. The Governor shall appoint working groups to assist the Task Force in leveraging expertise and experience from interested stakeholders and community members beyond members of the Task Force, including a working group on Agriculture and a working group on Energy. The Governor shall appoint members for each working group.

Meetings. The Carbon Sequestration Task Force shall hold public meetings as scheduled by the chair of the Task Force.

Service as members. Each appointed member of the Task Force and working group members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and without compensation.

Staffing and Support. Staffing and administrative assistance for the Carbon Sequestration Task Force and each subject-matter working group established in this Executive Order shall be provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa Finance Authority, and by other agencies, persons, or organizations from time to time as deemed necessary or appropriate by the chair of the Task Force.

IMPLEMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION

All departments, agencies, boards, or other political subdivisions of any state and local governments shall cooperate fully with the Carbon Sequestration Task Force including but not limited to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Finance Authority, lowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, lowa Department of Natural Resources, lowa Department of Transportation, and lowa Utilities Board. The Task Force may seek the expertise and services of individuals and entities outside of its membership for research, advice, and other needs, as necessary or appropriate, to accomplish its mission. ;

All work of the Carbon Sequestration Task Force shall be done in a manner consistent with the laws and regulations of the State of Iowa, and of the laws and regulations of the United States of America.

This Executive Order shall be interpreted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and shall not supersede any laws or regulations in place as of its effective date. If any provision of this Executive Order is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or otherwise contrary to applicable law, then the remaining provisions of this Executive Order, as applied to any person or circumstance, shall continue in full force and effect and shall not be affected by such finding of invalidity or unenforceability.

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XI. This Executive Order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the State of Iowa, its departments, agencies, or political subdivisions, or its officers, employees, agents, or any other persons.

XH. This Executive Order shall apply prospectively only as of its effective date.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED AT DES MOINES, IOWA THIS TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF JUNE IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-ONE.

ATTEST:

Voie

PAUL D. PATE SECRETARY OF STATE

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