Iowa essentially has a trifecta in alternative energy. It leads in ethanol and biodiesel production, wind energy produced, and manufacturing of wind production parts for that vital industry.
Most recently, Newton's TPI, a wind turbine blade manufacturer, announced that it would expand, creating an additional 300 jobs. This is in addition to the 723 jobs the company created a year ago, with state help.
Here are the Iowa numbers in key areas of alternative energy:
- Iowa currently has 1,375 mega watts of wind energy generating capacity (American Wind Energy Association.
- That total makes Iowa the third largest wind generating state. However, with the number of wind farms being built, Iowa will surpass California and become 2nd in the country by the end of this year. (American Wind Energy Association.)
- Iowa is first in the nation in ethanol production capacity, and second in the nation in biodiesel production capacity (Renewable Energy Association).
- In 2007, the biofuels industry in Iowa added $8.2 billion to Iowa's Gross Domestic Product and supported the creation of more than 53,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy (Iowa Renewable Fuels Association).
- Iowa is one of the only alternative energy states to combine wind production, wind production part manufacturing, and ethanol and biodiesel production.
Despite these numbers, the Iowa Legislature wanted to expand Iowa's role in producing alternative energy. That is why they created the Iowa Power Fund and the Office of Energy Independence.
The Power Fund will receive $25 million per year for four years to help develop these industries in Iowa and create "green collar" jobs. This could include developing new ways of making ethanol and the use of its byproducts; expanding Iowa's wind industry and the businesses that make equipment for the wind industry; various transportation, production and equipment improving energy efficiency; and reducing green house gas emissions.
One of the tasks of the Office of Energy Independence is to develop an annual report, the Iowa Enegy Independence Plan. The purpose of the plan is to outline strategies for Iowa to achieve energy independe by year 2025. The annual Iowa Energy Independence Plan is due to the Governor on December 14.
from www.iowahouse.org
Iowa ...First in the Nation--Second to None: 2010 Primary Election - Tues., June 8; General Election, Tues., November 2. 
