News Details

Tuesday, April 24, 2007                                                        

For More Information:  Rep. Tyler Olson, 515-281-3221

HOUSE APPROVES PLAN FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Des Moines, Iowa – On two bipartisan votes, the Iowa House approved landmark legislation on Tuesday night to make Iowa energy independent and become a world leader in renewable energy. 

“We’ve delivered on our promise to Iowans to make Iowa ‘The Green State’ and lead the world in the research and production of renewable energy,” said State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids.  “The Office of Energy Independence will help us create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

House Files 927 and 918 create the Office of Energy Independence and a $100 million Iowa Power Fund.  The bills were part of the Democrats’ Plan for Prosperity, their blueprint for legislative action this year.  The goal is to achieve energy independence by 2025 through a statewide energy plan.  The bills also include a new Director of Energy Independence and an advisory council of experts to help craft the plan.  

“Iowa is uniquely positioned to break the stranglehold oil companies have on our economy through alternatives like wind, solar, ethanol, hydrogen, and biodiesel,” added Olson.  “The Power Fund and Energy Independence Office will help us expand our research to keep us on the cutting edge of renewable energy technology.”

“This isn’t just about incentives for renewable energy,” concluded Olson.  “The new energy plan will develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy costs for families and businesses, and promoting conservation of our natural resources.”

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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