The Winds of Change are Blowing in Iowa

Iowa again is leading the way. In the heart of our country, Iowa holds the key to the future of clean energy. Iowa ranks number 1 in the United States for having the highest percentage (28.5%) of wind energy used on its electrical grid. We have the potential to generate more.

The amount of energy Iowa gets from wind, has and will create significant benefits for many Iowans. Benefits include lower utility bills, more property tax, increased income, and a decrease of harmful environmental submissions.

With 9.8 billion dollars already invested into Iowa’s wind farms and manufacturing facilities and over 6000 jobs created; it is clear that this industry and its expansion deserves the investment of more time and more money.

To continue our expansion and growth of Iowa’s wind energy industry, we must update our infrastructure. With Iowa’s potential to generate enough wind energy to power 6.3 million homes according to the U.S. Department of Energy by 2030, we need transmission lines able to distribute the electricity to consumers beyond our state.

As Iowa remains in the spotlight for the next few months, I hope all presidential candidates are paying attention to Iowa’s wind energy. A few candidates have referred to Iowa’s wind energy when describing a comprehensive energy policy for the U.S. and it’s importance to Iowans.

Iowa’s wind energy and its continued growth is an essential part of a comprehensive energy strategy that provides safe and reliable energy for U.S.consumers. We are counting on them to continue to recognize the valuable potential our state has in any U.S. comprehensive energy policy and for Iowans to understand why our wind energy must remain a leader in developing and delivering more energy from wind.