Today a coalition of over 30 organizations and businesses interested in renewable energy announced the Iowa Renewable Energy Jobs 2020 plan. The Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club is one of the organizations participating in the coalition. This plan moves Iowa into the 21st century. It is a realistic agenda. Iowa has been a leader in wind energy, and this plan will makes us a leader in energy efficiency, solar, and energy efficient vehicles. On top of it, this plan will reduce green house gases and climate change. All we need is to have the political will behind us to implement this plan, create renewable energy jobs, and help Iowans save money when they use energy.

For more information, visit: www.IowaRenewableEnergyJobs2020.org. The plan follows:

Iowa Renewable Energy Jobs 2020

“Iowa Renewable Energy Jobs 2020” will create jobs, save consumers money, grow Iowa businesses, and meet our obligations to future generations.

Iowa has been a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency. We need to do much more to achieve the full benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency for our state. This is important for our economy, energy security, public health, the environment, and long-term prosperity.

The Iowa Renewable Energy Jobs 2020 will:

Create at least 20,000 additional Iowa clean energy jobs by 2020.
Save Iowans at least $1 billion each year in energy costs.

How to accomplish these goals

Expand Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

Produce 40% of electricity from renewable energy by 2020.
Expand energy efficiency programs for all utilities.
Diversify renewable electricity sources.
Give Iowans a fair price for generating renewable electricity for the grid.
Dramatically reduce the public health and environmental costs of fossil fuels.
Say “NO” to special ratepayer financing for new nuclear plants.

Reduce Transportation Costs

Provide incentives for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles.
Provide incentives for electric vehicles, charging stations, and grid improvements.
Support the development and expansion of passenger rail.
Promote land use and urban management decisions that cut travel costs.