The Gazette | Paul Lovell, June 13 June 15 marks Global Wind Day, an annual celebration of wind energy’s role in strengthening energy systems and local economies. Iowa proudly ranks second for wind energy generation nationwide, with wind turbines providing 64 percent of our electrical output. Wind has become a vital engine for local economicContinueContinue reading “Harvesting the wind empowers rural Iowa”
Category Archives: Posts
Wind energy brings clean power, profits to Minnesota farmers
Public News Service | June 30, Mark Richardson Wind energy generated about 25% of Minnesota’s electricity in 2023, with much of that power coming from turbines placed on farmland. Bill Gillen, a farmer and six-year participant in the Freeborn Wind Project in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa, said wind power has been a welcome addition. “It allows us farmersContinueContinue reading “Wind energy brings clean power, profits to Minnesota farmers”
Renewable energy keeps Iowa’s communities vibrant
The Gazette | Steve Dodson, February 5 Renewable energy is a practical, sustainable, and financially sound solution for communities like Hiawatha. Securing strong, stable funding can be a struggle for public schools, which typically rely heavily on property owners and local families to support the education of our youth. By introducing an all-of-the-above energy strategy, projects like the Duane Arnold Energy Center andContinueContinue reading “Renewable energy keeps Iowa’s communities vibrant”
Solar restrictions threaten farmer property rights and rural economic growth
Washington Times | John Szoka, May 3 Local policies deny landowners ability to secure stable income and meet rising energy demand. In rural communities across the country, a consequential debate is underway over who gets to decide how farmland is used. Increasingly, local restrictions on solar development, including county-level bans and permitting roadblocks, are limitingContinueContinue reading “Solar restrictions threaten farmer property rights and rural economic growth”
Wind turbines, lower tax bills: The data behind Iowa’s clean energy dividend
Corridor Business Journal | May 18 As Iowa lawmakers rapidly approach the end of the 2026 legislative session, conversations around renewable energy remain abundant. As these discussions continue, the Common Sense Institute (CSI)’s latest energy report reveals that Iowa’s diverse energy grid continues to keep the state competitive and sustainable. Due in part to Iowa’sContinueContinue reading “Wind turbines, lower tax bills: The data behind Iowa’s clean energy dividend”
Solar power helps keep Illinois farms alive
Illinois Farmer Today | Terry Rasmussen, May 5 Whether you’re an individual or a business, you need to constantly evolve. That’s no different for farmers and agricultural workers. I come from a line of soybean and corn farmers — back to my great-grandfather — and my family has seen times change drastically over the decadesContinueContinue reading “Solar power helps keep Illinois farms alive”
Renewable energy diversifies farm income
The Gazette | Joe Heinrich, April 10 In a world of new technologies and innovation, our nation is requiring more energy than ever before. This surge in demand is projected to grow by 30-50% between now and 2040, making every watt of electricity on the grid valuable and necessary. An all-hands-on-deck approach to solving this issue cannot be done without implementing clean energy resources alongside traditional ones. ForContinueContinue reading “Renewable energy diversifies farm income “
What I learned living with wind energy
The Gazette | April 2 The best way to learn is from experience, or from someone who has had experience. Here are some things I learned about renewable energy from hosting a wind project on my land. The easement payment for having a wind turbine, transmission lines and an access road on my land wasContinueContinue reading “What I learned living with wind energy”
Ball State study details economic impact of wind and solar limits
Muncie Star Press | Jane Imbody, April 8 MUNCIE — A new policy brief from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research is shedding light on the economic impact of county-level restrictions on utility-scale wind and solar development in Indiana. The brief, published through the Indiana R-STEP Collaborative, summarizes findings from a broader study of renewable energyContinueContinue reading “Ball State study details economic impact of wind and solar limits”
Wind energy 101 for MN towns in project alleys
Public News Service | Mike Moen, April 16 Minnesota has nearly 125 wind farms. For people curious or skeptical about this longstanding renewable-energy source, local leaders and industry voices are engaging with residents, including a session tonight in the state’s “wind-belt” region. Clean Grid Alliance is hosting a public education event in Redwood Falls to paintContinueContinue reading “Wind energy 101 for MN towns in project alleys”