U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham were honored by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Power Up Iowa (PUI) as Champions of Clean Energy.
In recent years, Iowa has increased diversification in agriculture income, generated substantial tax revenue for Iowa’s rural communities, and improved the state’s renewable energy portfolio, according to a release from the ACP Dec. 15.
“It’s an honor to accept this award. as Iowa has a long history of supporting and advancing the energy sector,” Gov. Reynolds said in a release. “Iowa’s position of leadership in renewable energy goes far beyond one person. From working with the legislature, to our world-class research institutions, Iowa has cemented itself as a true energy powerhouse.”
Earlier this month, ACP released a new report detailing the significant contributions made in Iowa from utility-scale clean energy projects. The Clean Energy Powers Iowa report found that 61% of the state’s energy capacity is currently generated through solar and wind projects. Clean energy capacity in the state now stands at 13,278 megawatts (MW), enough to power 4.2 million homes.
“Iowa is a clean energy success story, producing and using clean power for a greater share of the state’s electricity generation mix than any other state,” said ACP CEO Jason Grumet. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Grassley and Governor Reynolds, Iowa has achieved this success with broad public support.”
The Champions luncheon also marked the 40th anniversary of Iowa’s renewable portfolio standard and the 30th anniversary of the Wind Energy Incentives Act of 1993, authored by Sen. Grassley.
“I have always been a strong champion of renewable energy and the ability for farmers to diversify their operations through some of Iowa’s most bountiful resources: wind and solar,” Sen. Grassley said in a release. “I am honored to be recognized by the American Clean Power Association for my work on behalf of the people of Iowa, and I look forward to our continued work to grow renewable energy opportunities across Iowa.”
Building on the momentum of tax incentives announced in the last year, billions more in investments are projected by 2030.
Iowa report highlights include:
- $25 billion – Today’s total private sector investment in Iowa’s utility-scale solar, wind, and storage projects.
- $13 billion – The expected private sector investment through clean energy projects that will support Iowa’s clean energy economy by 2030.
- $73.4 million – The amount paid annually through Iowa land lease payments.
- $61.5 million – The annual investment in local and state taxes paid by the industry.
Nearly 5,500 Iowa jobs are supported by the clean energy industry.
“It’s a privilege to help honor these dynamic leaders in the renewable energy space,” said Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson. “Their leadership has a long reach – from economic development and homegrown energy to the production of high-paying careers for DMACC’s graduates. When the renewable energy industry grows, Iowa grows with it.”
