DES MOINES, IA - A coalition of environmental, public health, farm and religious groups
today said they will push Iowa lawmakers next session to establish a clean energy standard
that will require that 20 percent of Iowa's electricity come from renewable sources by 2020.
The initiative would replace the state's current 2 percent mandate for energy efficiency and
renewable energy program that is funded by utility companies' rate payers.
The coalition, led by the Iowa Public Interest Research Group, released a report today
indicating that clean energy policies could save Iowa consumers nearly $1.1 billion
cumulatively on energy costs, create more than 5,000 jobs and significantly reduce fossil-
fuel pollution by 2020.
Nathaniel Baer of Environment Iowa said the coalition would like to see lawmakers commit
between $50 million and $100 million annually for energy efficiency programs that would
help the state meet the 20 percent clean energy standard.
The advocates would like to see the new investment in energy efficiency be administered by
publicly run and independently audited programs. According to the study, funding public
programs with $50 million (annually) would overcome half of Iowa's projected electricity
demand growth - slowing it to about 3/4 of 1 percent yearly.
"It's time for the Legislature to act so that our economy can tap our vast potential for wind,
solar and biomass," Baer told a Statehouse news conference.
Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City, said he was receptive to the concept of reducing
greenhouse gas effects. "Global climate disruption is real. We've got to get ahead of it," said Bolkcom. "There's a cost to doing nothing."
