The forefront of Green Energy

By Mariannette Miller-Meeks

I have always highlighted to my colleagues Iowa’s leadership in renewable energy. Last year the American Clean Power Association did a study and reported that 57.6 percent of Iowa’s electricity is created by renewable sources, but what is even more impressive is that no other state had above 50 percent.

Since taking office in 2020, I have been enthusiastically vocal about my commitment to alternative forms of energy that bring jobs, revenue and flexibility to Iowa and allow Iowa to be a major energy exporter. This week I was proud to host an Iowa Energy Tour and welcome three members of Congress to our state. This tour was designed to allow members from other states, including Michigan, Georgia, and Arkansas, to observe the variety of energy generation present in Iowa, including renewable fuels, organic material, wind, and solar energy that create electricity and power our transportation sector. I was able to discuss the need for renewable energy and how the U.S. energy sector can be affordable, accessible, and profitable.

During the tour, I took my colleagues to various sites including Central Iowa Power Cooperative, the MidAmerican Wind Turbine at the Iowa State Fair, VERBIO renewable natural gas plant, REG biodiesel, and Consumer Energy Cooperative’s solar installation. These locations showed off the best of Iowa’s renewable resources and why we are leading the United States in renewable energy. We also discussed the need for continual, consistent base load and innovation which can also be environmentally sound.

After Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, it was clear we needed to cut energy imported from Russia and revert back to energy independence and self-reliance. I will continue to call on President Biden to open the Keystone Pipeline, resume auction of land leases and quit stalling permitting so our oil and natural gas production can increase. But I also encourage other representatives to see what renewable resources they have in their home districts and how innovation will further energy generation while protecting the environment.

I am proud of Iowa for stepping up and being at the forefront of energy independence in the United States. I encourage President Biden to look to Iowans as leaders in the industry and to use our state as a guide to keeping fossil fuels open but looking at renewable energy as another fuel source as well.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a resident of Ottumwa who currently represents Iowa’s Second District in the United States House of Representatives.