September 8, 2016
A $3.6 billion wind energy project (click here) recently approved by the Iowa Utilities Board is just one more example of the real benefits federal wind production tax credits are bringing to Iowa.
Not only will Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy’s Wind XI farm be the largest renewable energy project in the state to date, company officials expect it to be fully funded by the credits, which Congress extended last year after considerable debate.
Another $1 billion wind project proposed by Alliant Energy also would reap the benefits of the credits, should the Iowa Utilities Board approve it.
But the real winners are Iowans who already benefit from a large share of low-cost electricity generated by wind power — 31 percent at last count, more than any other state can boast. And we can credit around 7,000 jobs in our state to wind and affiliated industries, according to State Economic Development Director Debi Durham.
Research at our universities supports and enhances the industry, and educational trade programs prepare technicians to care for the sky-high machines.
Landowners directly benefit from the extra income turbines provide, and counties reap the rewards of additional property taxes.
In short, wind is good for Iowa and for the country’s energy future....
