Culver releases his energy plan
By Dan Gearino Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008
DES MOINES -- Gov. Chet Culver issued a three-point plan Monday that he said would improve Iowa's energy efficiency and use of renewable fuels.
"Iowa is positioned better than any state in the nation when it comes to having a number of diverse options, whether it's wind or solar or biofuels or biomass," he said in a conference call with reporters.
Culver's plan includes the following points:
-- Iowa would set a goal that 25 percent of energy consumption would come from renewable sources by 2025. This would cover all energy consumption for homes, businesses and vehicles.
-- The Iowa Utilities Board would set an annual goal of a 1.5 percent improvement in energy efficiency. The board would use public relations tools to encourage use of energy-efficient appliances and other energy saving practices.
-- A new commission would be established to find opportunities to encourage energy efficiency through enforcement of existing building codes. The commission would be part of the Department of Public Safety, which already oversees building codes.
Culver, who was attending a governor's conference in Washington, D.C., said he is eager to work with the Legislature on the proposals. "There are some great opportunities," he said.
At least one of the ideas -- the 25 percent renewable standard -- was part of the governor's Condition of the State address last month.
Iowa already has a goal of 25 percent renewable fuel by 2020, but that only applies to motor fuel.
Legislators will need to work quickly if they want to pass Culver's proposals. All policy bills must pass a House or Senate committee by March 7 or they will be considered dead for the session, unless they are co-sponsored by party leaders.
Dan Gearino can be reached at 515-243-0138 and dan.gearino@lee.net.
"Iowa is positioned better than any state in the nation when it comes to having a number of diverse options, whether it's wind or solar or biofuels or biomass," he said in a conference call with reporters.
Culver's plan includes the following points:
-- Iowa would set a goal that 25 percent of energy consumption would come from renewable sources by 2025. This would cover all energy consumption for homes, businesses and vehicles.
-- The Iowa Utilities Board would set an annual goal of a 1.5 percent improvement in energy efficiency. The board would use public relations tools to encourage use of energy-efficient appliances and other energy saving practices.
-- A new commission would be established to find opportunities to encourage energy efficiency through enforcement of existing building codes. The commission would be part of the Department of Public Safety, which already oversees building codes.
Culver, who was attending a governor's conference in Washington, D.C., said he is eager to work with the Legislature on the proposals. "There are some great opportunities," he said.
At least one of the ideas -- the 25 percent renewable standard -- was part of the governor's Condition of the State address last month.
Iowa already has a goal of 25 percent renewable fuel by 2020, but that only applies to motor fuel.
Legislators will need to work quickly if they want to pass Culver's proposals. All policy bills must pass a House or Senate committee by March 7 or they will be considered dead for the session, unless they are co-sponsored by party leaders.
Dan Gearino can be reached at 515-243-0138 and dan.gearino@lee.net.
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peh wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:01 PM:
gov. brings. "