It was almost a century ago that President Theodore Roosevelt hosted the first meeting of the nation’s governors to consider ways that natural resources could be conserved. Much has changed in 10 decades since, but some of the concerns central to that earlier meeting were clearly still pertinent when the winter meeting of the National Governors Association convened late last month in Washington, D.C. Renewable energy was a major topic
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver took his attendance at this important conference to announce a detailed energy proposal for the Hawkeye State.
Not surprisingly, Culver sees reducing Iowa’s dependence on imported oil and improving energy efficiency as priorities.
He proposed legislation that has three principal components. The governor wants to:
• Set for the state a renewable energy usage goal of 25 percent by 2025;
• Give the Iowa Utilities Board the authority to establish an efficiency standard of 1.5 percent; and
• Establish a commission on standards for energy efficiency.
Energy based on foreign oil is becoming increasingly difficult to afford. Developing national and state-level strategies for addressing a rapidly escalating demand for energy responsibly are a major challenge for our nation and state.
Iowa has been a leader in developing biofuels and other renewable sources of energy. Culver has been a strong advocate of state action to keep those booming industries growing. His energy policy recommendations are in keeping with that priority and deserve careful consideration by the Legislature.
‘‘I believe now is Iowa’s time to be the national leader when it comes to securing a clean energy future, and my energy proposal will help us do just that,’’ the governor said in support of his policy proposals. ‘‘This legislation will assure Iowa’s continued leadership in energy conservation efforts and renewable energy. I look forward to working with the Legislature to pass this initiative quickly to ensure Iowa stays at the forefront of the green energy revolution.’’
While there could be room to quibble with the details, the energy policy direction the governor advocates makes good sense.
