Renewable Energy Policy

The golden dome of the Iowa State Capitol.

Renewable energy production is either encouraged by favorable policy or discouraged by unfavorable policy. Renewable energy policy is determined by several governmental bodies including the federal government, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Iowa State Legislature, the Iowa Governor's office, and the Iowa Utilities Board. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Department of Economic Development, and the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission can also play a role in drafting or enforcing policies related to renewable energy.

In 2007, the Iowa Office of Energy Independence (IOEI) opened its doors. The OEI is charged with creating an Iowa Energy Plan every year to establish Iowa's path toward a reliance on energy that does not depend on outside sources of fuel and electricity and to distribute $25 million a year for four years in grants and loans that will go towards projects to help the state reach its goal towards independence.

In 2007, the Iowa State Legislature created the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council (ICCAC), which consists of 23 governor-appointed members from various stakeholder groups, and four non-voting, ex-officio members from the General Assembly. The ICCAC is charged with creating a proposal that addresses policies, cost-effective strategies, and multiple scenarios designed to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. I-Renew's Executive Director serves on the Council's Clean and Renewable Energy subcommittee to assist in the creation of the final proposal, which is due in December 2008.

We encourage all Iowans to stay informed about issues related to energy policy and to keep in regular contact with their legislators, ICCAC council members, and Iowa Utility Board members to remind them that development of renewable energy is vital to Iowa's economy and environment, as well as to our national security.

You can individually contact your state legislators at http://www.legis.state.ia.us and your U.S. Senators and Representatives from the following list: