Building on an Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy System for Iowa – Governor Kim Reynolds

Iowa’s Energy Strategy for Sustainable Development

Iowa is an energy leader. We rank number one in the United States for electricity produced by renewable generation. We rank in the top 10 for grid reliability and lowest average electricity price. Our energy mix and reliability are among the best in the country, but as technology evolves and the demand on energy increases, Governor Reynolds is committed to a forward-focused, all-of-the-above energy strategy that serves to keep consumer prices low and position Iowa for future growth.

GOV. REYNOLDS PROPOSES:

• A Nuclear Energy Task Force via Executive Order to make recommendations for how we can move forward with nuclear energy in Iowa
• Adding economic development as a factor for consideration during IUC proceedings reviewing electric service territories
• Establishing a flexible rates tool to provide electric utility companies the additional ability to attract new, large energy-using customers
• Ensuring rate-regulated electric utilities file a non-contested integrated resource plan (IRP) with the IUC once every five years and as a requirement for advanced ratemaking proceedings
• Creating a partnership between IUC and ISU to conduct transparent, independent load forecasting and energy assessments for electric infrastructure planning in Iowa
• Giving clear authority to the Iowa DNR to permit on-farm and near-farm anaerobic digesters that utilize manure and other approved feedstocks to further support Iowa’s bioeconomy
• Granting the incumbent utility the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on new electric transmission line infrastructure projects and requiring landowner protections
• Modernize the existing Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program at IEDA
• Reallocating existing federal tax-exempt bond capacity for energy and water infrastructure

Nuclear

The Governor will establish a Nuclear Energy Task Force via Executive Order to examine and support the potential of nuclear energy in Iowa as a means of expanding Iowa’s energy generation portfolio. The Governor also proposes to update the Iowa Energy Plan to account for nuclear energy expansion.

Economic Development

Governor Reynolds continues to make Iowa one of the most business-friendly states in the country. To that end, the Governor proposes adding economic development as a factor of consideration during the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) proceedings related to electric utility service territory contract reviews. She also proposes to establish a flexible rates tool to provide utility companies the additional ability to attract new, large energy-using customers.

Infrastructure Fund

The Governor proposes to modernize the existing Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program at IEDA. Iowa businesses, municipalities, and port authorities will be able to access low interest loans for critical energy and water-related infrastructure projects that are tied to economic development.

IRPs

As we look to the future, Iowa must take a comprehensive approach in evaluating what energy sources will be needed for anticipated growth and demand. The Governor’s proposal would ensure rate-regulated electric utilities file a non-contested integrated resource plan (IRP) with the IUC once every five years and as a requirement for advanced ratemaking proceedings.

The proposal also expands what generating assets are eligible for advanced ratemaking proceedings at the IUC to encourage new technologies, like natural gas peaking plants, and support all-of-the above energy solutions.

Anaerobic Digestion

Bioenergy has always been an important aspect of Iowa’s energy portfolio. As a productive agriculture state, Iowa has great potential to further benefit from the value-added process of on-farm and municipal anaerobic digestion. Governor Reynolds proposes to provide clear authority to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to permit on-farm and near-farm anaerobic digesters that utilize manure and other approved feedstocks to further support Iowa’s bioeconomy.

Forecasting and Planning Collaboration with ISU

The IUC will partner with ISU to conduct transparent, independent load forecasting and energy assessments for electric infrastructure planning in Iowa. ISU will generate reports to support economic development and IUC decision-making by evaluating the adequacy and reliability of Iowa’s future electricity supply.

ROFR

Governor Reynolds’ proposal would grant the incumbent utility the Right of First Refusal on new electric transmission line infrastructure projects and ensure that those lines are constructed in a timely manner. Her proposal would also include land restoration standards to protect landowners’ property during construction and maintenance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses various energy-related proposals and strategies, including renewable energy, economic development, infrastructure, and bioenergy. These issues are connected to the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned above.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land, and soil

The article mentions proposals related to increasing the share of renewable energy, economic development through technological upgrading and innovation, upgrading infrastructure, and integrating climate change measures into planning. These align with the specific targets mentioned above.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of electricity produced by renewable generation

The article explicitly mentions that Iowa ranks number one in the United States for electricity produced by renewable generation. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governor.iowa.gov