Clean energy sparks growth in Iowa

THE GAZETTE’S EDITORIAL

The future of clean energy has, at times, sparked contentious debate on the campaign trail this fall. But one thing isn’t debatable: The clean energy sector is growing fast in Iowa.

A report by Clean Jobs Midwest said the number of renewable and clean energy jobs in Iowa grew 4.5 percent in 2023, outpacing growth in the overall economy.

Jobs related to electric vehicles increased 8.7 percent. Overall, the entire Midwest region saw a 3.9 percent increase in clean energy jobs.

“Iowa currently is home to over 32,000 clean energy jobs,” Micaela Preskill, the Midwest states advocate for E2, a nonpartisan environmental research group, told The Gazette’s Olivia Cohen. “Not surprisingly, clean energy jobs, like in all Midwest states, are growing faster than the overall economy. It is a real bright spot in the economy.”

The report also found that small businesses are creating most of the clean energy jobs, with 74 percent employed in businesses with fewer than 20 workers. Installing solar or wind on homes, farms and business is among the areas driving growth.

And 448 jobs were added to the state’s clean energy manufacturing sector.

But there is plenty of room for growth.

Iowa, Cohen reported, is ranked 30th in the nation in clean energy jobs. Iowa ranked eighth in the Midwest.

The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act has had a hand in numerous projects. Preskill told Cohen 90 large-scale clean energy projects have emerged since the act was signed in August 2022.

What’s generally positive about adding clean energy jobs is they help to spinoff more employment opportunities. So, growth sparks more growth.

The Inflation Reduction Act has taken a beating from Republicans this fall. Industries that pump and mine fossil fuels are pushing a narrative that clean energy can’t meet future energy needs. Allied politicians have been repeating the same rhetoric.

But the proof is in the projects moving ahead. It’s also in the technology speeding ahead of the energy status quo, and the climate damage its emissions spawn.

In the effort to ween the U.S. off fossil fuel use, Iowa could make a difference. While also creating jobs and strengthening the economy.

(319) 398-1762; editorial@thegazette.com