Letter to the Editor

Editor:

Over the years, Iowa has created a large renewable energy footprint.

State leaders understood early on that investing in clean energy would make Iowa a leader in the renewable space and benefit our economy. Conservative leaders specifically have played a critical role as Gov. Terry Branstad was the first governor in the nation to sign a renewable portfolio standard and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is known nationally as the 'grandfather” of wind energy for his work on federal policy.

As a member of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum, I'm proud to know conservative leaders still champion clean energy today by preserving and enhancing our state's resources. We are just as engaged on clean energy issues and continue to support initiatives that will make Iowa businesses more competitive and bring jobs back to rural Iowa.

Gov Kim Reynolds recently proclaimed a Clean Energy Week in Iowa and we celebrated by taking local leaders on tours of ethanol, biodiesel, wind and solar projects across Iowa. The clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of economic growth in Iowa in recent years with over 32,000 Iowans currently employed in the clean energy sector. Iowa conservatives agree with Governor Reynolds in recognizing the importance of clean energy, which not only powers Iowa's homes and businesses, but powers our economy.

Thank you, Gov. Kim Reynolds, for your hard work and representation of Iowa's conservative voices on energy and investing in Iowa's future. We are excited to continue conversations with leaders to push out clean energy policies, which benefit all Iowans.

Trudy Caviness

Iowa Conservative Energy Forum

Ottumwa