Summary of Jim Larew's talk on October 28, 2028

On October 28, LWV UMRR hosted a discussion on the protection of public waters through education, restorative action and litigation.  The video  of this program is available on the LWV UMRR Blog at this link.  

In this video, Jim Larew from Driftless Water Defenders talks about the litigation this organization is undertaking to put more teeth into protecting water.    His talk, informative and impassioned, is a call to action. 

Jim's talk begins at 31 minutes in the video.  

​Exploring Environmental Challenges, Legal Strategies, and the Quest for a Constitutional Right to Clean Water

Jim Larew’s talk centers on the urgent need to protect clean water in the face of escalating environmental hazards caused by industrial agriculture. He introduces the subject by acknowledging past cooperative approaches between government agencies and communities but asserts that these have failed to adequately address the severe pollution and health risks, especially in Iowa. Larew positions the issue as not just theoretical but as a pressing public health crisis, framing the conversation in terms of both environmental protection and civil rights.

Industrial Agriculture’s Impact
Larew outlines how industrial farming in Iowa operates with minimal legal restrictions compared to other sectors, such as transportation. He explains that the dominance of large-scale row crop farming (corn and beans) and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has resulted in an unprecedented saturation of the soil and groundwater with nitrogen, phosphorus, and manure. The scale of pollution is staggering, equating Iowa’s livestock waste output to that of a country with a population density similar to Bangladesh. Unlike human waste, which is processed, animal waste is simply spread on fields, further exacerbating water contamination.

He highlights alarming cancer statistics linked to environmental pollution: Iowa ranks second in the nation for cancer rates, with an increasing trend—most notably among young adults in the Corn Belt. These rising cancer incidences, documented by sources like the Washington Post, are attributed to the toxic agricultural mix and excessive use of fertilizers and manure, which leach into water supplies.

The Market and Policy Drivers
Larew discusses how federal agricultural policies and market incentives—such as those for ethanol production—encourage the overuse of fertilizers and expansion of livestock operations. He points out that farm programs remove economic risks for farmers, essentially incentivizing environmentally destructive practices. Much of the agricultural output is exported or used in fuel production, but the environmental residue remains local, worsening water quality and public health.

Legal Strategy and Civic Engagement
Recognizing the limitations of voluntary change, Larew advocates for legal intervention. He describes efforts to define a constitutional right to clean air and water, emphasizing the need for extra protections and state responsibility through the public trust doctrine. Litigation has played a key role, with lawsuits filed under the Federal Clean Water Act and challenges to state-issued water use permits that fail to consider environmental impacts.

He recounts successful civic engagement in Northeast Iowa, where community culture still values clean water. Local polling reveals near-unanimous support for government action to protect environmental resources, transcending political divides.

The Case for a New Civil Rights Movement
Larew frames the struggle for clean water as the next phase in America’s civil rights journey. Drawing parallels to historical movements prompted by social violence, he characterizes the current crisis as “environmental violence”—with children suffering in hospital wards due to pollution-induced diseases. He calls for a constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to clean water, citing existing state-level precedents and the urgent need for federal recognition.

Conclusion: The Path Forward
Larew concludes by reiterating the scale and urgency of the battle ahead. He argues that the right to clean water is fundamental to life and must be protected against the interests of powerful agricultural syndicates and corporate entities. The movement in Iowa, he suggests, could serve as a model for nationwide efforts to enshrine environmental rights and hold polluters accountable through law, advocacy, and civic mobilization. Ultimately, he calls for persistent, step-by-step action to secure a healthier future for all.