Iowa Citizen Action Network

Renewable Energy For Iowa

Renewable Energy For Iowa Home Page

Although Iowa has some of the greatest renewable energy capacity in the country, 96% of our electrical energy needs are met by importing dirty coal from out of state. Although our nation is drastically in need of an energy policy that provides sustainable, clean energy for generations to come, we rely almost exclusively on fossil fuels, which pollute the environment, have a finite supply and are greatly subject to price volatility.

These policies are a direct result of the energy cartels and special interests working overtime to influence lawmakers in Des Moines and Washington for energy policies that have little regard for the environment, no input from consumers, and provide great financial gain for the oil, gas, and coal industry and large industrial and commercial electricity users.

There is an alternative. It is renewable energy - wind, solar and biomass power. The choice is clear.

  • For a cleaner environment, we must choose renewable energy. Renewable energy means cleaner air and cleaner water. Iowa's existing wind turbines create zero emissions and displace fossil fuels that otherwise would have produced 1.3 billion pounds of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide), equivalent to the emissions of 100,000 SUV's.
  • For a boost to our economy, we must choose renewable energy. Iowa's farmers will benefit from the production of wind energy and biomass fuels. Farmers near Sprit Lake receive about $2,000 per wind turbine per year in lease payments, which provide diversity and stability to farm income.
  • For the security of our nation, we must choose renewable energy. Increasing reliance on local, renewable energy reduces our vulnerability to monopolistic attempts at energy market manipulations, from forces both at home and abroad.

ICAN is leading the fight for clean renewable energy for Iowa. ICAN coordinates the Sustainable Energy for Economic Development Coalition (SEED) that unites diverse organizations across the state to promote renewable energy in Iowa. ICAN also participates in IREP-Iowans for Responsible Energy Policy-which promotes comprehensive approaches to solving energy issues facing Iowa.