Shaping Iowa's Energy Future
posted
on Friday, January 15, 2016
Energy Program Director Nathaniel Baer has been appointed to one of four working groups that will help develop Iowa's Energy Plan, a new initiative to shape the state’s energy future.
The plan, which the Governor spoke about during his Condition of the State earlier this week, will set priorities and provide strategic guidance for a statewide plan to assess current and future energy supply and demand, examine energy policies and programs, and identify emerging challenges and opportunities. The plan is slated to be completed by November 2016.
“I’m honored to be selected to participate in the development of Iowa’s Energy Plan,” Baer said. “Iowa is a national clean energy leader, producing more energy with wind than any other state, and solar has been gaining rapid momentum in recent years. To maintain its clean energy leadership and meet current and future energy needs, we must continue and accelerate our transition to renewable energy. I look forward to being a part of this process, and ensuring wind, solar and energy efficiency are prioritized in the state’s plan.”
Working groups were organized around four foundation pillars – Economic Development and Energy Careers, Iowa’s Energy Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Baer will serve on the Iowa’s Energy Resources working group. He was selected as one of 48 appointees from more than 140 applicants. Other members include leaders from the business, utility, energy and environmental sectors, as well as members of the public.
The leadership team for the Iowa Energy Plan consists of Lt. Governor Reynolds, Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress members, Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) representatives.
Work groups will meet over the next six months. Non-members are welcome to register to attend the work group sessions to listen to the discussion and contribute written questions, thoughts and comments that will become part of the public record. Five public energy forums will also be conducted across the state to facilitate additional input.
A full list of work group members, as well as materials produced by the working group will be posted on the Iowa Energy Plan website, www.iowaenergyplan.org
- clean energy
- solar power
- wind power