Iowa Environmental Council embarks on journey to reach 100% clean energy by 2035

DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa's News Now) — The Iowa Environmental Council announced the goal to reach 100 percent clean power in Iowa by the year 2035.

"We all see the impacts of climate change around us more and more and this is something people are concerned about. We see opportunity for a different way of living and operating our energy systems. That's where I think it's exciting that there can be this alignment," said Dr. Brian Campbell, Iowa Environmental Council Executive Director.

The largest and most comprehensive environmental coalition in Iowa explained that achieving this goal is very possible. Iowa is already a leading state in renewable energy. The state currently has 5,000 jobs in the wind energy sector, 1,000 jobs in solar, and nearly 18,000 jobs in making businesses more energy efficient. To reach 100 percent clean energy, many more jobs will need to be added.

"It helps to bring those benefits here locally rather than depending on imported fossil fuels. We bring those resources in from out of state, often keeping the pollution here in our state, and then sending the profits out of state. Instead, we see a big opportunity to grow local jobs, local benefits, and to have a healthier environment and economy for our state," says Campbell.

Just in 2020 alone, Iowa generated 60 percent of energy from wind, meaning the state generates more electricity from wind than any other source. The state currently ranks second nationally in installed wind capacity and sixteenth in potential for solar energy production.

"It's an opportunity for us to envision the energy system that we want, that will bring benefits to local residents and businesses as well as collectively to the whole state," said Campbell.

Going forward, the coalition is working to educate Iowans and encourage them to collaborate on this goal. The Iowa Environmental Council has two upcoming events for the public to attend, including a webinar and discussion. Find more about their mission here.