Energy & Global Warming Solutions
Initiatives 2008

The following initiatives will be priorities of the Iowa Environmental Council in 2008. They are expected to require a significant amount of effort, our coalition is in a position to lead, the initiative has statewide significance, and there is a good chance for success.

1. Finding Solutions to Global Warming

The Council will advance strategies to transition to a clean energy economy that will reduce Iowa’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Council will research issues and build coalitions in the state and region on the policies and practices needed to solve global warming. This may include:

• Setting greenhouse gas reduction goals based on scientific consensus. Iowa should ensure that greenhouse gas emissions peak now and then achieve a long-term goal of reducing emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
• Engaging with other states in the Midwest to establish a market-based system to reduce greenhouse gases efficiently and effectively. Midwestern states can cap emissions, auction greenhouse gas permits, and create a trading market to reduce emissions. A regional system is an effective way for states in the region to reduce emissions and will position the Midwest for action on future national policies.
• Working closely with the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council, Iowa Power Fund Board, and Office of Energy Independence to identify appropriate solutions for global warming and to speed our transition to a clean energy economy.

2. Strengthening Iowa’s Energy Efficiency Efforts

The Council will work to strengthen the efficiency programs currently in operation in Iowa. Iowa’s utilities have made significant gains in implementing efficiency programs, but more can be done to realize the vast cost-effective potential of energy efficiency. This may include:

• Setting an energy savings goal of 2% annually to maximize the effectiveness of current efficiency programs. Iowa has significant opportunities to reduce electricity use from energy efficiency, which is cheaper than alternatives like building new generation capacity.
• Reducing the carbon footprint from houses and buildings. The Council will build support for more energy efficient green buildings in the public and private sector and for better compliance and enforcement of all building codes in the state.

3. Implementing Alternatives to Coal

Iowa now faces two proposals for new coal-fired power plants. Compared to coal, renewable energy and energy efficiency offer significant economic benefits and support goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa. The Council will advance policies that recognize the value of renewable energy and energy efficiency and account for the many costs of coal. This may include:

• Intervening in proceedings before the Iowa Utilities Board and Iowa DNR on specific coal plant applications to show evidence on the benefits of clean energy and the costs of coal. The Council will work in coalition with other partners with representation from the public interest law firm Plains Justice.
• Conducting research and public education on the particular opportunities Iowa has to use renewable energy and energy efficiency, instead of coal, and the economic benefits from these opportunities.
• Advocating for a temporary stay on permits for new coal plants and for improvements on policies used to determine whether to build more coal plants.

4. Encouraging Next Generation Biofuels and Using Biomass for Electricity

Given the state’s leadership in corn-based ethanol, Iowa is the perfect place to create and use advanced, next generation biofuels. These biofuels can be derived from the cellulose of perennial grasses and distilled in processing plants that use much less energy. In 2008, we will engage in further research and advocacy on practices and policies that will encourage next generation biofuels, such as a low carbon fuel standard, incentives for increased plant efficiency, and assistance in growing perennial energy crops.

5. Boosting Renewable Energy

Every Iowan should be able to contribute to and participate in Iowa’s transition to a clean energy economy. The Council will work closely with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, the Iowa Utilities Board and other partners to create fair and standardized interconnection agreements. The Council will also push for policies that help improve financial and technical assistance for farmers, small businesses, and residents to own and operate their own small wind turbine, solar panel, or geothermal heat pump. This may include improved net metering and interconnection policies, additional funding for the Iowa Energy Center’s Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Fund, and more. Finally, Iowa should ensure long term growth in our renewable energy supply by updating our renewable energy standard to 25% by year 2025.

6. Supporting Sustainable Practices

The Council will support a range of sustainable practices that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. These may include policies to reduce vehicle miles traveled, increase local distribution of Iowa-grown food, expand transit choices, and build sustainable communities around smart growth principles.

7. “Fresh Energy” Campaign (communications campaign involving global warming, coal, etc.)

The Council has been actively working with the REAMP Media Center program and will continue this initiative to train renewable energy spokespeople across Iowa and engage in media releases to promote renewable energy, educate the public of energy choices facing our state and nation, alert the public to the most recent global warming data and findings, and promote new energy technologies.

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