Republicans Begin to Dismantle Progress

DES MOINES – Following in Governor-elect Terry Branstad’s footsteps, House Republicans have moved a step closer to eliminating the Iowa Power Fund, which has successfully made Iowa a national leader in clean energy production. Branstad, who called the Power Fund a “colossal failure” during the campaign, was backed up yesterday by House Republican leaders who promised to eliminate programs they feel have “no value to Iowans,” including the Power Fund. [Sources: 4/7/10 Sioux City Journal Editorial Board; 11/9/10, Des Moines Register - GOP leader outlines plans for budget cuts]

“Renewable energy is the future and thanks to Democratic leadership Iowa has become a national leader,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sue Dvorsky. “It would be irresponsible to cut a program that has been so successful in moving Iowa into the 21st century while creating jobs and expanding investments in the state.”

Since Governor Culver signed the Power Fund into law in 2007, Iowa’s clean energy economy has taken off. Since 2006 the amount of energy Iowa receives from renewable sources has jumped from 5 percent to 20 percent, while companies from across the world have leveraged Power Fund grants to create Iowa jobs. This investment has also spurred education in the state as community colleges like Iowa Lakes in Estherville have created specialized degrees to train the next generation of workers. According to the Iowa Office of Energy Independence the Power Fund has already leveraged over $273 million in federal and private investments in the state.

In addition to receiving national attention, the Power Fund also has bipartisan support within Iowa, including Republican Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey who said, “It is vital that we maintain our leadership status on renewable fuels, and the Power Fund plays an important role in the continued development of the industry here in Iowa.” [Source: 1/15/09 Office of Energy Independence: Power Fund Receives Recognition from EPA]

“It is our hope that Republicans will work with Democrats to find a responsible way to continue moving Iowa forward, without risking the progress we have already made,” added Dvorsky.