Clean Energy
IS PART OF IOWA AND
AMERICA'S ENERGY FUTURE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2019
DES MOINES – A group of well-known Iowa conservatives have formed a nonprofit organization to support clean energy solutions to benefit the Iowa economy, improve the environment and strengthen our national security.
“We're committed to educating and engaging everyday Iowans and our elected officials in common-sense energy policies that will benefit our state, nation and world today, tomorrow and far into the future," said Jake Ketzner, executive director of the newly formed Iowa Conservative Energy Forum.
Ray Gaesser, a Corning farmer who is a former president of the American Soybean Association, Iowa Soybean Association and a 2018 candidate for Iowa secretary of agriculture, will serve as the ICEF's board chair. Gaesser noted that research commissioned by the organization underscores Iowa conservatives' belief that an "all-of-the-above" energy policy is the right course for the state.
"What we've found should come as no surprise, but it's a story that simply isn't being told enough: more than three of every four Iowa conservatives believe we should be pursuing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, which means lowering dependence on fossil fuels and allowing an increase in electric generation from emerging technologies like renewable energy as well as more energy efficiency," Gaesser said. "An amazing 93 percent of Iowa conservatives believe farmers and other landowners have the right to lease their land to wind companies while 85 percent believe we should continue or place more emphasis on solar power and 83 percent say we should continue or place more emphasis on producing wind energy."
He added," We've allowed the progressives to claim energy and conservation policies for too long. They don't have a corner on these issues."