A diverse and influential group of Iowans concerned about global
warming and national energy policy–including representatives of
Greenpeace, the Iowa Farmers Union, and the United
Steelworkers–joined forces today to tell Iowa’s congressional
delegation that they demand federal action on global warming and
more investment in renewable energy. The groups created a 30,000
square foot crop circle in the shape of a wind turbine in a
cornfield near Ames to symbolize Iowa’s demonstrated commitment to
advancing global warming solutions and to prod Congress members to
take action.
Currently, Iowa has the third largest developed wind capacity in
the nation, behind California and Texas. Over 30 cities in Iowa
have signed onto the US Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement, an
agreement to “meet or beat” Kyoto Protocol targets in their own
communities
“The concern over global warming is very real,” said Chris
Petersen, President of the Iowa Farmers Union. “Now, we need to see
our congressional representatives championing smart global warming
solutions in Washington. These policies will bring investments to
rural Iowa and allow us to continue to be a national leader in
renewable energy.”
The groups are asking Iowa’s delegation to be leaders in
Congress by supporting science-based legislation that reduces
global warming pollution from today’s levels within 10 years and
80% by 2050.
The only legislation that achieves these goals in the House of
Representatives is H.R. 1590, the Safe Climate Act. The bill
contains the three elements that Greenpeace believes must be
included in any realistic attempt to stop global warming:
- a national cap on global warming pollution that produces real
reductions from today’s levels within a decade and reaches 80%
reductions by 2050; - a national renewable electricity standard of at least 20
percent by 2020 that includes incentives for solar and other
distributed renewable energy installations; - and a significant decrease in tailpipe emissions.
“The time for action on global warming is now,” said Kelly
Mitchell, Global Warming Organizer for Greenpeace.” Among Iowa’s
representatives, only Bruce Braley has joined 141 other co-sponsors
in signing onto the Safe Climate Act. We need our other
representatives to step up now.”
Iowa has the potential to generate more than 20 times its
electricity needs with renewable energy sources like wind farms and
biomass from crops. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates
that a national renewable energy standard, like the one included in
the Safe Climate Act, would create 2,130 new Iowa jobs, $83 million
in consumer savings, $769 million in new investments, and $27
million in new local tax revenues
“The steelworkers of Iowa proudly support this call to action to
our congressional delegation, not just because of future job growth
or the imminent danger posed by global warming. This is simply the
right thing to do. It is what brings us here today to stand with
our friends and allies and acknowledge our common values,” said
Iowa Steelworkers Political Director, John Campbell.
Global warming threatens Iowa with more extreme weather,
droughts, and flooding. Warmer temperatures will severely damage
crops and a changing climate will threaten our hunting, fishing,
and tourism industries.
Press contacts:
Kelly Mitchell, Greenpeace
818.282.0168
Daniel Kessler, Greenpeace
970.690.2728
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit
www.greenpeace.org/usa
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VVPR info: [email protected]
Notes: For additional information visit www.greenpeace.org
