Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a state proclamation recognizing September 21-25, 2020 as Clean Energy Week in her home state.
In the proclamation, Gov. Reynolds notes how the energy sector is a growing part of the economy and that clean energy is especially important to America’s energy future, stating that there are “over 32,200 Iowans currently employed in the clean energy sector.”
Iowa is now one of eight states in the country to formally recognize National Clean Energy Week 2020. This marks the third consecutive year NCEW has been recognized by Governor Reynolds.
Read the official text of the Iowa state proclamation below.
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GOVERNOR REYNOLDS
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Iowa has long been a leader in clean and renewable energy, becoming the first state in the nation to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 1983; and
WHEREAS, across Iowa, clean and readily abundant forms of energy power more homes and businesses than ever before. In 2019, Iowa ranked first in the nation for share of electricity provided by wind energy, with 5,100 turbines generating 42% of the state’s electricity. In 2019, wind generated more electricity in Iowa than coal for the first time. At the beginning of 2020, renewable energy generating capacity in Iowa stood at 10,400 MW; and
WHEREAS, solar energy is benefitting both rural and urban Iowa with more than $250 million in private investment throughout all of the state’s 99 counties; and
WHEREAS, clean energy is part of America’s energy future. It includes generation from renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro and geothermal sources, but it also includes nuclear, natural gas, and carbon capture technologies as well as energy storage; and
WHEREAS, the clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of growth in Iowa in recent years, with over 32,200 Iowans currently employed in the clean energy sector; and
WHEREAS, these jobs cannot be outsourced due to on-site nature of construction, installation, and maintenance. Clean energy jobs are inherently local and contribute to the growth of local economies; and
WHEREAS, as our country celebrates National Clean Energy Week, I encourage individuals and organizations in Iowa to support common sense solutions to address America’s economic and energy needs in the 21st century. I also encourage municipalities and individuals to implement the cleanest, lowest-emitting energy technologies available; and
WHEREAS, we must harness the power of Iowa entrepreneurs and small businesses and ensure government collaboration to assert American energy leadership and dominance in the global marketplace and assure low-cost reliable energy here at home:
Now, Therefore, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim September 21-25, 2020 as
CLEAN ENERGY WEEK
in the state of Iowa.
National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), described by POLITICO as “a veritable who’s who of the Clean Energy World,” is an annual awareness week to recognize the value of clean energy including abundant job opportunities, economic growth, energy independence, consumer choice, lower energy prices, and a cleaner environment. NCEW is supported by CRES Forum, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as NCEW’s fiscal agent.
Follow NCEW on Twitter (@NCEWConf) and Facebook (NationalCleanEnergyWeek) for event updates.
www.nationalcleanenergyweek.org
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