DES MOINES, Iowa – Thirteen Iowans representing Iowa business, utilities, and community colleges sent a letter urging Iowa’s congressional delegation to support President Biden’s infrastructure bill for the boost they say it will provide renewable energy.
“(We) urge the Iowa Congressional Delegation to back this important legislation that stands to set the course for securing an economically sustainable future for generations to come through long overdue investment in our nation’s critical infrastructure. A key element of this legislation is its investment in updating the U.S. energy grid and clearing the way for the renewable energy production that Iowa is already leading on and leveraging to grow our economy,” the letter obtained by The Iowa Torch states.
“Iowa has long been a national example of how states can pursue economic growth and a responsible future through renewable energy developments regardless of political leanings… By embracing renewable energy, we have found a boost for our economies and have secured long-term investments,” the letter continued, “This infrastructure bill is the next logical step that will not only help Iowa update its energy grid and meet its growing renewable energy needs, but it will also help bring the rest of the nation on board with renewable energy and keeping good jobs here in the U.S.”
Signers to the letter include former State Senator Chaz Allen, who is now the executive director of the Iowa Utilities Association, James Hoelscher with Professional Developers of Iowa, Robin Anderson with the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Doug Hundt of the Vermeer Corporation, DMACC President Rob Denson, Drew Kamp with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, Deb Malek with United Equipment Accessories, Kirkwood Community College President Lori Sundberg, Joe Murphy with the Iowa Business Council, Dusky Terry with ITC Midwest, Doug Newmann with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Amy Van Beek with Ideal Energy, and Iowa Lakes Community College President Valerie Newhouse.
Democrats want to pass the $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill with an even larger $3.5 trillion spending bill that includes child care, climate change, education, and paid family and medical leave.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., delayed a vote on the bill as progressives among House Democrats refused to vote for the bill unless there was also a vote for the larger spending package. That spending bill currently does not have enough votes to pass in the U.S. Senate, with U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Krysten Sinema, D-Ariz, expressing opposition along with Senate Republicans.
U.S. Senators Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, split their votes when the Senate passed their $1.2 trillion infrastructure package. Ernst opposed it, but Grassley supported the bill and reaching a compromise.
Read the full letter below:
Iowa Joint Infrastructure Letter (1) (1) (1)
