Rachel C. Email and Phone Number

We work to advance justice, promote equality and ensure the protection of human rights for all people in Des Moines through education, advocacy, community engagement and investigations of civil rights violations.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is a neutral, fact-finding law enforcement agency. The mission of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is to end discrimination within the state of Iowa. To achieve this goal, the ICRC must effectively enforce the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The Commission's primary duty is to enforce state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, education and credit by investigating and litigating civil rights complaints. The Commission also provides conflict resolution services including mediation and conciliation for civil rights matters. In addition to its role as a law enforcement agency, the Commission works to prevent discrimination by providing training and education to the public.

Researched legal tools to restrict Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations in rural Iowan communities. Wrote an action letter for Iowan constituents to send to their Congressmen. Drafted questions for the Iowa gubernatorial candidates to get their stances on environmental issues. Assisted colleagues in preparation for the Iowa Environmental Council’s annual conference.

Researched Clean Water Act continuing violations and wrote a memo on how they are handled in the different circuits.Assisted attorney with new clean energy project (researched renewable energy platforms).Assisted attorney with live litigation needs (research, answering legal questions regarding water of the US rulings in Vermont, 1st Circuit).Researched background on statutes to include in consent decrees.

Researched recreational use designations of Iowa streams. Wrote a petition to the US EPA, Region 7 to promulgate standards for the IA Department of Natural Resources regarding use designations.Reviewed Iowa’s rule regarding coal ash residual waste and compared it to the current EPA rule. Presented findings and research to the IEC staff and made suggestions on how to strengthen Iowa’s rule. Worked closely with EPA Region 7, the Iowa DNR, the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Prairies Rivers Network.