Clean Energy
Due to abundant wind and solar resources, a strong history of business and state support, and the work of the Iowa Environmental Council and our partners, Iowa has become a national clean energy leader in recent years, producing more energy with wind – over 59 percent – than any other state.
Iowa also ranked second nationally in the amount of wind energy installed with 12,219 megawatts (MW) at the end of 2021. Wind power directly supported 3,953 Iowa jobs in 2020 and accounts for annual land lease payments to landowners of $67 million. The total capital investment in wind energy is at least $22 billion.
Iowa would not be in this position without the leadership of the Council and our partners. Despite its clean energy leadership, Iowa still relies too heavily on coal while significant clean energy potential remains.
To meet current and future energy needs and maintain its position as a clean energy leader, Iowa must continue to accelerate its transition to clean energy solutions that are economic and environmentally sound. This includes shifting away from coal to clean sources of energy including wind power, solar power and energy efficiency.
Through advocacy, education and coalition-building, the Iowa Environmental Council works with diverse stakeholders to fully realize Iowa’s clean energy potential in a way that strengthens our environment, economy, communities, health and quality of life.
We’re accelerating Iowa’s transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency by:
- Expanding, improving and maintaining access to renewable energy with key policies like net metering, tax incentives, and interconnection to the grid
- Ensuring that leading energy efficiency programs are available to all Iowans and provide benefits to all Iowans
- Removing barriers and defending against efforts to slow or stall Iowa’s transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption, growth and development
- Working with diverse stakeholders on complementary clean energy policies and practices, including retirement of existing coal plants and expanding passenger transit options
Learn more about our work to grow wind energy, expand solar energy and improve energy efficiency in Iowa.