A Chicago-based environmental group is urging Iowa policymakers to spur development of alternative energy, like wind turbines, and require more energy conservation measures. Hans Detweiler of the Environmental Law Policy Center of Chicago spoke at a statehouse news conference. Detweiler says Iowa has a choice: continue to rely on fossil fuels and nuclear power or develop new energy sources and promote energy efficiency. Glenn Cannon, the G-M of Waverly, Iowa, Light and Power, says Iowa is at an energy crossroads. Cannon says there are no short-term solutions to electricity shortages. Cannon and Detweiler say Iowa legislators should mandate that eight percent of Iowa’s energy supply be “renewable” by 2010. That means more wind turbines and other alternative energy projects would have to be launched.
