Last Friday, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Power Up Iowa (PUI) recognized Senator Chuck Grassley, Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham as Champions of Clean Energy for their significant contributions to Iowa’s renewable energy success. The ACP highlighted Iowa’s advancements in diversifying agriculture income, generating tax revenue for rural communities, and broadening the state’s renewable energy portfolio. The Clean Energy Powers Iowa report released by ACP shows that 61 percent of the state’s energy capacity is derived from solar and wind projects, amounting to 13,278 megawatts, sufficient to power 4.2 million homes. The honorees were praised for their dedication to clean energy initiatives, including Reynolds’ and Grassley’s commitment to renewable energy partnerships in rural communities. Grassley’s historic legislation, the Wind Energy Incentives Act of 1993, marked its 30th anniversary, while Gov. Reynolds highlighted the state’s leadership in renewable energy. Iowa’s renewable energy industry supports nearly 5,500 jobs and contributes significantly to local and state taxes and land lease payments, strengthening Iowa’s economy and fostering career opportunities for Iowa graduates.
