The Libertarian Party’s candidate for Governor says the state could dramatically reduce electric rates — and ensure a payment to every Iowan — with his plan to install more wind energy farms in Iowa.Clyde Cleveland of Fairfield says it’s a shame Iowa is not using its “free energy resource” — the wind. Cleveland says Iowa could become “the Saudi Arabia of wind” because studies show wind currents here are among the world’s best for generating electricity. Cleveland proposes a law that would spur development of wind farms.Cleveland says within a few years, Iowa could be producing all the energy it needs from wind farms, and selling the excess. He suggests writing the law in such a way as to ensure the profits from those excess sales are sent back to Iowans, just as is case for Alaskans who receive royalties from the oil companies. Cleveland says the move is especially timely, since southern Iowans face skyrocketing electric rate hikes. Cleveland’s website, clevelandforgovernor.com, outlines the proposal, which is included in a chapter of his book, entitled “Restoring the Heart of America.”
