FYI, posted by Jane Clark

Bill neglects conservation, renewable energy

LTE by Rep. Ed Fallon
Des Moines Register, June 25, 2001

While it's true that I am unconvinced that Iowa has a looming energy crisis
("Power-Plant Compromise is Reached," Juen 20), my primary reasons for
voting against the power-plant bill (H.F. 577) were based on the
legislation's complete neglect of conservation and its token gesture toward
the development of renewable fuels.

I also opposed the bill on the grounds that consumers should not be in the
business of essentially subsidizing the construction of power plants owned
by utility monompolies.  Power companies are making money hand over fist,
and are well able to finance the construction of their own facilities.

H.F. 577 merely requires utility companies to offer consumers the
opportunity to purchase energy from renewable sources.  Nothing was said
about whether the price should be affordable, and the bill provides no
expectations on the extent to which power companies should support Iowa's
growing, grass-roots renewable-energy industry.

Furthermore, the bill ignores the tremendous economic potential for fully
developing the renewable-energy industry in Iowa.  Experts in the field
estimate this potential market at roughly one billion dollars.  Imagine the
advantage to Iowa farmers from wind turbines alone, each of which can bring
$2,000, to $3,000 a year to a struggling farm family.

Biomass, solar, and geothermal are other examples of renewable energy
sources that are virtually untapped.  Instead of furthering Iowa's
home-grown energy industry, H.F. 577 allows utility companies to purchase
renewable energy from company-owned facilities outside Iowa, squandering a
key opportunity to boost our rural economy.

If the energy debate is renewed next January when Iowa lawmakers return to
the state Capitol, citizens should demand serious consideration of advancing
conservation and renewable fuels.

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