Iowa Governor Culver: Energy Independent Future Is Within Our Reach

Signs two bills to promote wind energy growth in Iowa

April 23, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver today signed two bills designed to expand Iowa’s wind energy industry. Senate File 456 utilizes unused tax credits to promote small wind energy projects across the state. House File 817 provides economic incentives for wind component manufacturers who are looking at building or expanding in Iowa.

“Today’s a great day in Iowa in the realm of renewable energy,” said Governor Culver. “At this very moment homes and businesses statewide are being powered through, “clean,” energy – produced by the wind. Iowa is proving that an energy independent future is within our reach. And with more than 2300 green-collar jobs created through wind energy, creating new jobs in the green economy will be key to our future successes. With my signature, these bills will continue Iowa’s efforts to chart its own course toward energy independence. By doing so, we’ll continue to create jobs in every part of the state, and strengthen our role as a national leader in both the business and the practice of energy production.”

Iowa currently ranks second in wind energy production, according to the American Wind Energy Association. Iowa is home to 1,999 wind turbines that produce nearly 2800 MW of electricity each year.

Wind energy has also created new economic opportunities across the state. Thanks to Governor Culver’s tireless efforts, Iowa is home to five major wind energy component manufacturers – Acciona, Clipper, Siemens, TPI, and Trinity towers -- with 2,300 green-collar wind energy jobs created in recent years.

The action comes just one day after President Barack Obama visited Newton to highlight Iowa’s transformation into one of the nation’s leaders in Wind Energy.

“I believe what’s good for our environment is good for our economy, too. For example, just yesterday, President Obama noted the fact that the city of Newton has seen a rebirth of sorts. This community, which had seen so many challenges related to the Maytag closure, has become a symbol of the unlimited opportunities related to renewable energy research, development – and production. That means job creation – just when we need them the most!”

At the press conference, Bill Schrad spoke about the need to promote small wind energy projects in Iowa. As a member of the Carroll Area Wind Farm, Schrad represents Carroll County residents who have permits to install turbines. Thanks to SF 456, they will be eligible to receive a tax credit to help defray their costs.

Source: Iowa Governor