Iowa's 2021 Legislative Session Wraps

After three weeks of overtime, the 2021 legislative session came to a close last Wednesday, May 19. Look for a comprehensive recap, including a final bill tracker, in the coming weeks. 

Much to the disappointment of the IEC Energy Program, legislators did not advance a bill that would have preserved and expanded the State Solar Investment Tax Credit for Iowans. 

The popular credit, which was historically underfunded and oversubscribed, will now phase out at the end of 2021, leaving nearly 2,000 Iowans without the credit they were promised when they invested in their solar project. Expect a more detailed explanation from us of what this inaction means for Iowa's solar industry in near future.

Iowa's Renewable Hydrogen Potential

While the concept isn't exactly new, hydrogen is recapturing the attention of clean energy advocates as a viable technology to help us decarbonize fuel sources beyond electricity.

Historically, hydrogen production relied almost exclusively on fossil fuels. With advancements in technology, production can now be accomplished using renewable resources.

Iowa is one of the best states in terms of renewable hydrogen potential because of access to low-cost solar and wind power and our state's demand for carbon-free fuel and ammonia production. Learn more on this topic in IEC Organizational Member Ideal Energy's three-part series exploring the potential for the renewable hydrogen economy in Iowa.

IEC Webinar - Coal Plants: The Price Iowans Pay  

Holding MidAmerican and Alliant accountable for continuing to run dirty, expensive, and unnecessary coal-fired power plants.

All the Iowa coal generation in 2020 was excess generation and not needed. This generation negatively affects Iowan’s health and economy. It is time for MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy to be accountable to their customers.

Join IEC on Wednesday, June 16 at 11:30 AM to explore this topic for the first in a three-part webinar series looking at excess coal generation here in Iowa.