Post Author's Photographer By Andy Johnson September 30, 2020

Cody Smith, Policy Associate at the Center for Rural Affairs, works on midwest policies that help amplify the positive effects of clean energy.There are many opportunity to combine clean, renewable energy infrastructure with beneficial habitat for native species. Whether planting pollinator habitat under solar panels, creating migratory bird corridors along transmission lines, or improving habitat around wind turbines, there are lots of exciting ways to link clean energy and conservation!

Additional resources:


Director of Winneshiek Energy District

Love this post?

Share it with family and friends.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Don’t miss these

Winneshiek County Courthouse

Data Center Moratorium is a WIN for Clean Energy in Winneshiek County

October 6, 2026

On Monday, September 28, Winneshiek County passed a year-long data center moratorium. The decision came at the recommendation of Winneshiek County Planning and Zoning Commission …

Nine children stand indoors holding a large hand-drawn poster labeled

Decorah Community School District Energy Policy: A good news story

October 2, 2026

Local Partnerships & Expertise Support District Savings & Energy Stewardship A rural Iowa school district might seem to be an unlikely location for interesting work …

Iowa Scientists Agree: Choose renewable energy

September 16, 2026

Over 200 scientists from across the state (including three from Winneshiek county!) agree that prioritizing renewable electricity generation is good for Iowan’s health, climate, and …