Renewable energy, quality of life top ‘to do’ list
Des Moines Register
ISSUES TO WATCH
RENEWABLE ENERGY
ADD RESEARCH CAPABILITY;
THEN THINK REALLY BIG
Generations of Iowans have considered the state’s productive soil a blessing and its constant winds a curse. Today, each is clearly a benefit, propelling Iowa to No. 1 in the nation in production of both ethanol and soil biodiesel and No. 3 in installed capacity to generate electricity from wind.
The renewable-energy industry holds nearly limitless potential for generating new jobs, products and businesses as oil supplies dwindle. How can lawmakers help keep Iowa the epicenter of energy innovation?
As a top priority, build research capability at the regents universities. Iowa State University has proposed spending an additional $5 million a year for the next three years to hire 15 to 20 research scientists. ISU boasts considerable strengths in biosciences research, but additional specialists will be needed to drive the shift from corn-grain ethanol to cellulosic – made from the fibrous parts of plants – or develop other types of biofuels. Iowa State also is requesting $28 million in capital funding to build a new biorenewables building, which would house 10 to 12 research teams.
Increased funding is also needed to leverage federal and private research grants. With a typical 20/80 split on federal grants, let’s not let $8 million in research funding slip away for want of a $2 million state match.
These are modest investments with potential for huge payoffs. But to really separate Iowa as a renewable-energy leader, lawmakers need to think big: Take a hard look at setting a state target for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. (Appoint a task force this session, including the best minds from industry and academia, charged with producing a report for statewide discussion this fall, ahead of the 2008 session.)
Such a goal would jump-start innovation by energy entrepreneurs. As it is, Iowa is better positioned than other states to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and store the carbon. Iowa could reduce fossil-fuel use by growing more perennial grasses (thus storing more carbon) and less corn and soybeans (thus requiring less diesel and fertilizer). And then the state could cash in if the day comes when industries or regions are compensated for reducing gases.