by Ben Nuelle
Over 30 percent of Iowa?s electricity is supplied by wind. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, Iowa is now the first and only state in the United States that has crossed the 30% mark to 31.3.
The American Wind Energy Association says growing wind farms in Iowa has attracted $11.8 billion dollars to the state?s economy.
Senator Chuck Grassley says when he got the tax incentive for wind energy passed in 1992, he didn?t have the slightest idea it would be as sweeping as it is.
?30% is sweeping. Who would have ever thought 25 years ago that would be the situation in Iowa. I?m glad it is but I?m just telling you I didn?t quite foresee that. As good as I thought it wind energy would be and as it ought to be promoted,? Grassley says.
Grassley adds we also have the opposite of this.
?You hear about corporations going to Mexico. We have corporations in Iowa from Spain, Germany and coming from other states to manufacture components for us. It?s just a thrill to have it be so successful,? Grassley says.
Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds also commented saying ?We are proud of Iowa?s leadership in wind energy.?
According to U.S. Department of Energy data, wind can supply 40 percent of the Hawkeye State?s in-state electricity generation within the next five years ? generating enough electricity for 6.3 million average American homes.
