In the Senate, we are focused on jobs. We recently approved another piece of our 2011 pro-jobs legislation: a plan to jumpstart small-scale renewable energy in our communities.|(From Sen. Amanda Ragan)
In the Senate, we are focused on jobs. We recently approved another piece of our 2011 pro-jobs legislation: a plan to jumpstart small-scale renewable energy in our communities.
Iowa leads the nation in the production of ethanol and biodiesel, and we are number two in wind energy production. These industries have helped create jobs across the state with the opening of new businesses and the expansion of existing operations. Iowa still has room to grow in small wind and solar energy systems that help property owners meet their own energy needs. Small solar and small wind refers to the on-site production of electricity and heat at homes and businesses.
Senate File 516, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 49-1, provides thousands of consumers with rebates of as much as $3,000 for homeowners and up to $15,000 for businesses to install new small solar and wind systems. These rebates are in addition to federal tax credits.
Jumpstarting Iowa’s small systems renewable energy economy means jobs for local construction firms, plumbers, and electrical, heating and air conditioning contractors who install and service smaller renewable energy systems used by homeowners, farmers and businesses. These smaller systems will also help lower utility bills, saving homeowners money and makes businesses more profitable.
This is the seventh piece of our pro-jobs legislation approved in the Senate this session. The bill now goes to House for consideration.|
