Counties across Iowa are taking a stand on factory farms. More and more boards of supervisors are calling for a factory farm moratorium.
Why? One reason is because the Master Matrix — a scoring system included in factory farm applications — is a failure. Legislators created it 15 years ago to give communities more protections from factory farm pollution — but that hasn’t happened. Today, Iowa has more polluted water and more factor farms than ever. The Master Matrix is so lax, applicants only need 440 out of 880 points to pass. And, it’s not local control: approval is all up to the DNR. People are fed up.
Let’s strengthen the Master Matrix. It won’t solve our water crisis, but it could be a big step in the right direction.
Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement is "on tour" to hear from everyday people about what they'd like changed in the Master Matrix. We're using this information to pressure the DNR to overhaul the current system. Our group in Lorhville came up with a long list of items to address, but surely there are more. Go to CCI's website (www.iowacci.org) to find a meeting near you to provide input. Your voice needs to be heard!