The Iowa legislature is now considering utility restructuring legislation. House File 740, introduced late in the last legislative session, contained few provisions for consumer and environmental protection. Opposition from labor, consumer and environmental groups was enough to block passage of the bill.
Intense negotiations are now underway to revise the bill.
Tapping Iowa's bountiful wind resources is an important way to benefit the state, the coalition says. Farmers are earning money by leasing their land to wind developers. Dozens of jobs are being created in rural areas. And counties and school districts will earn substantial tax payments from the wind farms. The market determines which type of renewable energy will be developed, where and at what price.