Post Author's Photographer By Andy Johnson July 30, 2021

This message was central to comments submitted by the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa in a new investigative docket on transmission opened by the Iowa Utilities Board, , INU-2021-0001.

Unfortunately, we are seeing growing headwinds in Iowa for renewable energy at all scales. These include the Legislature’s failure to renew the Iowa solar energy tax credits was one example, an apparently fossil-fuel funded campaign to spread lies and anger about large-scale solar and wind developments, and a bio-fuel based backlash against electric vehicles. We’re worried the Utilities Board may be unnecessarily feeding that fire with the current transmission docket.

CEDI’s comments (led by WED’s Jim Martin-Schramm) focused around three points:

  1. Iowa policy clearly supports renewable energy at all scales, and transmission is necessary
  2. Comprehensive transmission planning already occurs at the regional “MISO” level, and the Board could certainly engage further there
  3. Significant opportunities also exist for the Board to support non-transmission alternatives and to reduce transmission cost disparities among Iowa ratepayers

Read CEDI’s comments here.

A middle-aged man with glasses and a graying beard smiles while looking to the side, standing in front of a wooden background.

Andy Johnson

Director of Winneshiek Energy District

Energy Policy Government Resources

Love this post?

Share it with family and friends.

Sign up for our newsletter.

subscribe

Don’t miss these

How to Request Use of the Mobile Solar Generator

August 13, 2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Management welcomes community organizations and municipalities to request use of the county’s newest asset for temporary use at special events. The Sun …

Read More

New! Resilient Resources Booklet

July 8, 2026

The Winneshiek Energy District worked and Winneshiek County Emergency Management are proud to share a handy “Resilient Resources” reference booklet with the public. This booklet contains …

Read More

Winn Board of Supervisors approves M2 Zoning for Data Centers

June 1, 2026

The rapid expansion of data centers expansion is impacting rural communities faster than many localities can regulate them. As data center development expands across Iowa, …

Read More