skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

New Numbers Show IA's Clean-Energy Sector Growing Stronger

play audio
Play

Tuesday, August 23, 2022   

The new Inflation Reduction Act is expected to spur more clean-energy projects around the country. It coincides with some encouraging numbers for Iowa this past quarter.

In its latest market report, the American Clean Power Association said Iowa led the nation for land-based wind installations for the second quarter, despite slower development at the national level due to trade issues and other factors facing the industry.

Jeff Danielson, vice president of advocacy for the Clean Grid Alliance, said when you look past any broader hiccups, Iowa should be able to maintain its success.

"Given the federal bills that have been passed in the last year, that provide both tax credits and investments for clean energy overall, there's no reason Iowa can't continue to lead the country," Danielson asserted.

Iowa has consistently ranked highly in wind energy and is now third in the nation for its operating wind, solar and storage capacity. Danielson pointed out the state's bipartisanship has been a huge factor, but acknowledged some opposition from local governments and residents. He contended counties need to engage with the community on the process and realize the opportunities from federal investments.

Advocates argued expanding renewables provides more of an economic boost than the public might realize. Danielson explained the state's clean-energy sector has a workforce of more than 5,000 people, while noting other benefits.

"We have a business-to-business relationship with landowners through long-term leases," Danielson emphasized. "Iowa currently gets $70 million statewide to local farmers for hosting wind farms and solar farms."

Wind has been Iowa's crowning achievement in clean energy, but Danielson predicted future investments will lead to bigger gains for solar production in the state. While bipartisanship has helped Iowa's growth, all Republican members of the state's Congressional delegation voted against the Inflation Reduction Act. Analysts said it is important to remember the bill covered separate issues as well.

Disclosure: Clean Energy Economy Minnesota and the Clean Grid Alliance Coalition contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and the Environment. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

play sound

Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

play sound

Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

play sound

Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …

Many factors affect a customer's bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period, according to Arizona Public Service. (Jason Yoder/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

play sound

Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

Health and Wellness

play sound

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021