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”
Category Archives: Posts
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”
Wind energy pumping millions into Michigan schools
Public News Service | Chrystal Blair, April 29 As Michigan leans further into renewable energy, some backers said the payoff is showing up in unexpected places. One education leader said wind farms are providing a financial boost for Michigan schools, bringing in millions for infrastructure upgrades, technology and debt relief without raising taxes. Paul Hungerford,ContinueContinue reading “Wind energy pumping millions into Michigan schools”
Iowa considers standardizing renewable energy standards
Public News Service | April 9, Mark Moran Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would standardize renewable-energy infrastructure installations. Driven largely by landowner pushback, a third of Iowa’s counties currently have regulations that prohibit new wind and solar projects, despite proven economic benefits. Iowa County landowner Sherrie O’Brien was an early adopter of wind energy moreContinueContinue reading “Iowa considers standardizing renewable energy standards”
Guest opinion: Power is a dire need in Missouri
Southeast Missourian | March 11, Trey Wiginton As the Mayor of Marble Hill, my responsibility is to protect our community’s future by supporting growth, strengthening our local economy and ensuring responsible development. I have seen firsthand how empowering landowners to welcome solar energy projects brings meaningful benefits to our community, from private investment to long-termContinueContinue reading “Guest opinion: Power is a dire need in Missouri”
Missouri Solar Fight Puts Farmers’ Futures, and Land, at Stake
The Missouri Times | Jake Kroesen, March 26 As Missouri lawmakers consider new regulations on large-scale solar development, farmers across the state say the issue is less about energy policy and more about economic survival. Legislation under discussion would either temporarily halt new solar projects or impose additional requirements on future developments, including local approval,ContinueContinue reading “Missouri Solar Fight Puts Farmers’ Futures, and Land, at Stake”
Iowa clean energy is a veterans’ success story
The Gazette | Troy Van Beek, March 1 After serving as a U.S. Navy SEAL, I joined one of the most veteran-friendly sectors in the nation: clean energy. I started Ideal Energy — a solar energy and storage company in Southeast Iowa. With over 20,000 veterans like me employed nationally in the solar industry alone, clean energyContinueContinue reading “Iowa clean energy is a veterans’ success story”