Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
Gov. Chet Culver announced his energy plan today in a phone call from Washington, D.C., where he is attending the National Governor’s Association Conference. The three-pronged proposal leans heavily on improving energy efficiency standards.
One part of his approach calls for the establishment of a new commission within the Department of Public Safety that would focus on green designs in building codes and enforcing efficient building codes. By working with building code commissioners, Culver hopes “to adopt a statewide energy efficiency or ratings system for, not just state office buildings, but residential, commercial, and industrial as well.”
He also will ask the Iowa Utilities Board to “set the goal of saving or reducing the amount of energy we use on an annual basis of 1.5 percent though energy conservation and efficiency steps.” He gave examples of using more efficient light bulbs, weatherizing buildings and homes, and turning off computers not in use.Culver reiterated his goal of increasing the state’s renewable energy usage from the current 7.5 percent to 25 percent by 2025. He previously set this goal in last month’s condition of the state address.
He said he will work with state Sens. Rob Hogg and Joe Bolkcom and state Reps. Nathan Reichert, Janet Petersen and Bob Kressig to pass renewable energy legislation this year.
During the call with reporters, Culver mentioned wind, solar, biomass, and biofuel energy sources and noted that the focus of the governors’ conference was entitled “Securing a Clean Energy Future: A Call to Action.”
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