Iowa has a rich history in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The 1983 requirement that investor-owned utility companies utilize renewable energy for part of their production portfolio was the first such law of the land, now known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). “Twenty-nine states, Washington, D.C., and three territories have adopted an RPS, while eight states and one territory have set renewable energy goals.”
Another notable measure is the Solar Energy Tax Credit. Created by the Iowa Legislature in 2012, it allows those who install solar panels to recover up to 15 percent of that cost as a credit on their Iowa income taxes.
Iowa has also led in requiring utilities to assist their customers in reducing inefficient energy use. Without the 1990 Energy Efficiency Law (EE law), many new power plants would have been needed. Instead, the same level of comfort, lighting, and work has been accomplished with efficiency rather than producing more electricity and gas.
- September 18, 2018
- IPP staff
Environmental issues—particularly water quality—are integral to a discussion of opportunity. Both the health and the economic fortunes of Iowans depend on a healthy environment and public policy that support it. Clean and abundant water is a critical asset that helps make Iowa an attractive place for families and businesses to locate.
The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) would appear to recognize this role, setting a goal to stop pollution by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus discharges by 45 percent. The NRS performance is another matter, due to policy shortcomings.
Washingtonians must take bold action to confront the serious threat that air pollution poses to the health and well-being of communities from Longview to Walla Walla. But meaningful action can only be achieved and sustained if people and communities – especially people of color, rural communities, and other populations that are often overlooked by lawmakers and initiative campaigns – are rightfully included in developing solutions to this threat from the very beginning.
That’s why the Washington State Budget & Policy Center is joining Tribal Nations, businesses, climate scientists, public health experts, and organizations representing communities of color, workers, and families with lower incomes in endorsing Initiative 1631.
- June 9, 2017
- COWS
- Mayors Innovation Project
President Donald Trump’s announced withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement is a clear shirking of responsibility on behalf of the federal government, but across the country, organizers, activists, mayors, governors and others are only increasing their commitment to the principles of the agreement. Mayors and their cities have many ways to contribute to sound climate policy and carbon reduction. Here we introduce some of the key ways that cities can make a difference in the face of federal inaction.
Local governments have jurisdiction over or significant influence on a number of greenhouse gas emission sources, including building energy use, transportation, water infrastructure, sewer treatment, and waste management. Buildings, for example, account for almost 40 percent of US emissions, and their energy use is subject to municipal regulation in the form of building codes, benchmarking requirements, zoning, and more. Transportation produces 30 percent of US GHG emissions, and is heavily influenced by local planning and investment. Most transit systems are run by local or regional authorities. The waste sector alone is responsible for 2.3 percent of US GHG emissions, and is almost entirely under local control.