Ragan Report

Creating jobs growing middle class with clean energy

As a leader in wind energy and ethanol, Iowa is showing the nation that clean energy works. Bipartisan support for expanding production is helping Iowa create good jobs that strengthen our middle class. This session we approved three bills to build on Iowa’s reputation for clean energy and renewable fuels, plus the good jobs these industries create:

• Senate File 2340triples the amount of solar energy tax credits available to Iowa farmers, homeowners and businesses. It builds on the success of Iowa’s 2012 tax credit, which encourages Iowans to install solar energy systems. Jobs were created and many Iowa businesses became skilled at installing and operating solar systems. By tripling the solar tax credit, Iowa is responding to the growing demand for solar power and maximizing the benefit for Iowans from federal solar tax credits, which expire at the end of 2016.

• Senate File 2343 extends the deadline to complete wind and other projects using Iowa’s Renewable Energy Tax Credits. It also allows landfill gas to be used as fuel for innovative cogeneration projects. By adding cogeneration processes to the mix, Iowa will produce even fewer greenhouse gases.

• Senate File 2344 strengthens and diversifies Iowa’s leadership in biofuels. It increases the tax credit for E15 during the hot summer months; extends Iowa's biodiesel production tax credit for five years to retain and attract biodiesel producers; and adds an advanced biofuel, biobutanol, to Iowa’s renewable fuels industry. Encouraging the production of new fuels that take advantage of Iowa’s agricultural strengths pays off in good jobs, technology investment, and cleaner air and water. 

Additional information

This is a legislative column by Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties. For newsletters, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/ragan.