By Andi Anderson
Iowa is recognized as a national leader in renewable energy, especially wind power. The state has made impressive strides in solar energy too—growing from just two megawatts a decade ago to nearly 350 megawatts today. Much of this success has come from collaboration between the state and landowners, who allowed solar panels and wind turbines to be installed on their farmland.
However, recent changes in the federal budget have rolled back key tax incentives that supported solar energy investments. These incentives helped farmers and other landowners afford the initial cost of solar installations. Without them, many may find it difficult to continue expanding clean energy options.
"It has really devastating impacts," said Sean Gallagher, Senior Vice President of Policy at the Solar Energy Industries Association, "not just to the solar industry, but to American energy security and national security. Solar energy is putting more new power on the grid than every other fuel source combined in the last several years."
Iowa already generates over 12,000 megawatts of power from its 6,000 wind turbines, making wind energy the state’s leading power source. Solar energy, though still growing, was gaining traction quickly—until the latest policy change.
"Every dollar spent on clean energy tax credits has a $2.67 return," said Gallagher, "in the form of lower energy costs for consumers, and taxes paid by clean energy infrastructure projects - mostly property taxes."
Now, with fewer federal incentives and shifting political support, Iowa and other states face the challenge of keeping their renewable energy goals on track without national backing.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Iowa, Energy