Iowa Lt. Governor visited Ross Street Coffee in Tama earlier this year and met with owner Brian Gumm (left) and State Rep. Dean Fisher. Chronicle/News-Herald file photo

(DES MOINES) Chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Energy Plan was initiated to set state priorities and provide strategic guidance for Iowa’s energy future. The plan assesses current and future energy supply and demand, examines energy policies and programs and identifies emerging challenges and opportunities. Today’s unveiling of the Iowa Energy Plan is a culmination of a year-long process that consisted of soliciting statewide public input via working groups and community forums and meetings with representatives from state agencies and industry associations and organizations. The Iowa Energy Plan executive summary and full report can be accessed at www.iowaenergyplan.org.

“Iowa is a leader in biofuels and renewable energy,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds. “That leadership was achieved because of thoughtful planning. Creating a statewide energy plan will keep Iowa at the forefront of energy policy and allow our state to develop a path toward the future.”

Leadership support for this initiative was provided by Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress (IPEP) board members and representatives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT). The statewide energy plan is built on four foundational pillars: Economic Development and Energy Careers, Iowa’s Energy Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

The Iowa Energy Plan’s vision statement represents the collective understanding of Iowa’s ideal future in terms of its energy use and resources. The vision considers a planning horizon of 10 years, with 15 objectives and 45 strategies outlined in the 100+ page report. During the planning process, the following themes were identified as key areas that could positively impact Iowa’s energy economy:

Energy Workforce Development

Technology-based Research and Development

Supporting Rural and Underserved Areas and Populations

Natural Gas Expansion

Iowa’s Biomass Potential

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Electric Grid Modernization