Iowa Celebrates American Clean Power Week at the Fair

Gov. Reynolds proclaims Aug. 12-16 American Clean Power Week in Iowa.     

Des Moines, IA – Gov. Kim Reynolds made an appearance during Power Up Iowa’s Day at the Iowa State Fair to recognize American Clean Power Week. The Week celebrates clean energy’s role in building a better future. Earlier in the week, the Governor signed a proclamation to recognize the special week.   

Power Up Iowa (PUI) and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) sponsored the day to highlight Iowa’s leadership in clean energy. Power Up Iowa Day showcased the clean energy industries that are bolstering communities, growing the economy, supporting agriculture, powering homes and businesses, and fueling Iowa’s position as a leader in renewables.  

“Iowa is a national leader producing American made power that is reliable affordable and clean,” said Jason Grumet, CEO of the American Clean Power Association. “Gov. Reynold’s exceptional leadership has advanced a vibrant clean power industry that is aligned with Iowa’s economic, community and cultural interests. In response, clean energy companies are investing billions in the Iowa economy, bringing jobs, tax revenue and reliable power to communities across the state.”   

“ACP was delighted to honor Gov. Reynolds in December as a clean energy champion. Iowans should be proud to reside in a state committed to American ingenuity, security, and innovation.”  

ACP’s Investing in America report proves that clean energy is powering the state. In the past two years, Iowa’s clean energy industry has launched eight new manufacturing facilities and built 712 MW of homegrown clean power. 

“Iowa is a key contributor to decreasing our nation’s dependence on foreign resources,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “Power Up Iowa Day highlights the advancements and innovative solutions generated by Iowa’s farmers, colleges and universities, and the companies that have invested in our state. Together, we will continue to advance clean energy initiatives that improve our quality of life and make Iowa’s communities and economy strong.”     

Farmers and landowners in the state benefit from clean power projects, with $74.6 million paid annually to support their operations. In light of droughts, floods, and the latest storms that have affected so many families across the state, this additional source of income has been a lifeline for some.   

“I am proud that our leaders recognize the positive impact of clean energy in Iowa,” said Ray Gaesser, Adams County farmer and Chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum. “Wind energy has enabled my community to flourish through additional tax revenue to make improvements to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure we severely need. Farmers across the state deserve the opportunity to diversify their income through clean energy projects to head off challenges both in and out of the field – whether that be the latest natural disasters or the plummeting commodity prices. Farmers are resilient and continue to spearhead innovation with evolving technology and methods to feed the world. Now, we’re powering it too, and that’s something to celebrate.”    

During Power Up Iowa Day, fairgoers learned about clean energy’s positive impact on Iowa communities to empower them to make informed decisions about energy solutions for the future. The exhibit featured engaging activities for the whole family and the opportunity to connect with industry leaders to discuss how renewable energy is powering the state. ITC Midwest had a bucket truck demo and KidWind taught kids how to build mini wind turbines.   

Additional participants included MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Community College, Invenergy, NextEra Energy, Apex, Steelhead Americas (Vestas), and Clean Grid Association.  

For more photos from Power Up Iowa Day, click here. Join the conversation through our social press kit. Learn more by visiting the Fuel for Thought website and viewing Iowa’s State report.   
  

###    

About PUI: Power Up Iowa, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of renewable energy supporters advocating for local, state and federal policies and initiatives that enhance Iowa’s wind and solar energy investment. By educating, raising awareness, and taking part in conversations with our state’s leaders, Power Up Iowa will help make the case for renewable energy investment to revive and drive our local economies. Learn more at powerupiowa.com.

About ACP: The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the leading voice of today’s multi-tech clean energy industry, representing over 800 energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar, green hydrogen and transmission companies. ACP is committed to meeting America’s national security, economic and climate goals with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power. Follow ACP on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and learn more at cleanpower.org.