Although Iowa already generates more than 28% of its electricity from wind, data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that wind could supply more than 40% of the state's electricity in the next five years.
Using data from the DOE's Wind Vision, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and the Wind Energy Foundation, have released "A Wind Vision For New Growth In Iowa.’
The new report shows in addition to creating many more jobs, annual land-lease payments to Iowa farmers and other rural landowners could grow from $17.1 million today to $55 million just 15 years from now. Wind power already supports up to 7,000 jobs in 13 factories and assembly plants around the state.
The report's findings come as the state's political leadership and regulations determines the most cost-effective and reliable way to comply with the soon-to-be-finalized Clean Power Plan proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
‘Iowa families and businesses can reap a tremendous amount of further economic, clean air and water conservation benefits from wind energy,’ says Tom Kiernan, AWEA's CEO. ‘Iowa's political leadership understands that, and any of the 2016 presidential candidates passing through Iowa must take note.’
