As originally published in The Cedar Rapids Gazette, here.
By: James Dozier
Sen. Chuck Grassley has displayed a consistent record of leadership when it comes to bringing jobs and clean energy to Iowa and helping to bolster the farm economy. Two recent efforts led by Sen. Grassley demonstrate why we need him continuing to fight for us in the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Grassley worked to amend next year’s Energy and Water Development appropriations bill to provide an additional $15 million for wind energy research. Wind is a key electricity resource in Iowa and the Midwest, and many community colleges are training wind energy technicians to make certain that the next generation can make a good living building and maintaining wind generation in a new energy economy. In fact, wind power provides between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs in Iowa, and landowners with wind turbines on their land receive more than $16 million in lease payments each year.
Sen. Grassley also helped to spearhead a letter co-signed by 38 of his Senate colleagues, urging the EPA to increase the required volumes of renewable fuels that must be used under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2). To qualify for the program, these fuels must have significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels. Renewable fuels are not only good for the environment; they are good for Iowa farmers who provide the sustainable feedstocks for these fuels.
Iowa residents should be proud that Sen. Grassley is working for a clean energy future, good Iowa jobs, and a cleaner environment for future generations.
James Dozier
Executive Director of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions
Washington, D.C.