NWest Iowa | Shane Bellefy, July 20 Growing up in northwest Iowa, I’ve seen firsthand how our strong agricultural heritage makes our state perfectly suited for clean energy. For decades, Iowa farmers have shown that clean energy and agriculture can work hand in hand. Wind turbines provide steady lease income, which can help keep familyContinueContinue reading “Letter: Powering Iowa’s future with clean energy”
Tag Archives: Economics
Opinion | Clean energy is about affordability, jobs and independence
The Cap Times | John Imes, July 16 As America recognizes its 250th birthday, Wisconsin has an opportunity to shape the next chapter of its economic story. The decisions we make today about energy, manufacturing, artificial intelligence and infrastructure will determine whether our state remains competitive while keeping electricity affordable for families and businesses. AfterContinueContinue reading “Opinion | Clean energy is about affordability, jobs and independence”
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”
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”
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 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”
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”
IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains
Public News Service | Judith Ruiz-Branch, December 26, 2025 As Illinois looks to progress its clean energy goals in 2026, rural residents are speaking out about how past projects continue to benefit their communities. David Helper, a retired chiropractor and former member of the Logan County Board, said the county was an early leader inContinueContinue reading “IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains”