Clean energy would benefit not just Iowa’s environment, but the state’s economy as well.

You no doubt know that clean energy’s environmental benefits are clear. Wind and solar power replace dirty sources like coal—along with its pollution, including mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide. But in addition to these benefits, clean energy policies also save consumers money and create economic growth.

Two key policies
Environment Iowa’s recent report, “Redirecting Iowa’s Energy,” examined economic data and forecasts from state, federal and independent sources.

The report studied how two clean energy policies would impact jobs and consumer spending on energy costs between now and the year 2020.

The first policy, a renewable energy standard, would ensure that 20 percent of Iowa’s energy comes from renewable sources by year 2020.

Right now, up to 85 percent of Iowa’s electricity comes from coal and less than 5 percent comes from renewable sources like wind and solar.

The second policy would increase state spending on energy efficiency programs by $100 million annually and improve program management.

Public health benefits
Our proposed clean energy policies would use less energy overall and more of that energy would come from renewable sources.

The net outcome would cut emissions significantly. The leading global warming pollutant, carbon dioxide, would be reduced by 11 percent under 2002 levels. Nitrogen oxide would be cut by 9 percent and sulphur dioxide would be cut 8 percent, both under 2002 levels.

Economic benefits
According to our analysis, these policies would create an average of over 3,000 jobs every year between now and 2020.

In fact, according to our research, developing renewable energy creates more jobs than an equivalent investment in older technologies like burning fossil fuels.

In addition to creating more jobs, renewable power creates jobs with better wages. Our research determined that total wages in Iowa could increase $42 million on average between now and 2020. The clean energy policies would also provide savings for consumers. By 2020, the policies would save Iowa consumers as much as $1 billion.

By investing in efficiency up-front, consumers realize savings over time. Programs could include tax credits for energy-efficient or “green” buildings, low-interest loans for high-efficiency boilers and furnaces, and consumer rebates on energy efficient home appliances.