Iowan’s Deserve Better Buildings
Last week CCED Coordinator Kelsi Davis and several other members of the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa network traveled to the Capitol in Des Moines for an Energy Advocacy Day. The event was organized by the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition as a follow up to our work with affordable housing standards last year. You can read more about that work here: CEDI Celebrates Big Win
The group met with state legislators to advocate for bills proposed in the Iowa legislature that would create a more affordable and equitable energy future for Iowans.
The specific bills included…
1. HF 2046, a proposal for balcony solar. This would allow households to purchase small solar systems that plug into a standard outlet and power small household appliances. A great solution for renters!
2. HSB 629 and SSB 3092, a proposal for community solar allowing third party developers to build solar resources investor-owned utility customers can subscribe to in order to reduce their energy bills.
3. HB 2045, a proposal to increase transparency for investor-owned utilities. This bill would authorize a study on infrastructure cost recovery for energy leaving the state of Iowa.
Senator Matt Blake met with the group to discuss his work with affordable housing issues in the Des Moines area. His work this legislative session includes increasing first-time homeowner grants, raising Housing Trust Fund caps, and property tax relief. He stressed the importance of balancing quality with long-term sustainability and making new builds or housing upgrades more affordable for first-time buyers.
At the capitol building, CCED Coordinator Kelsi met with House District 64 Representative Jason Gearhart. She shared details on the energy bills proposed so far and explained the benefits for constituents should they pass. Representative Gearhart shared more about the bills he proposed this session including funding for childhood cancer treatment and buffer strips for Iowa’s waterways.
Advocacy days such as this one allow community voices to be heard at the state level. Housing is not truly affordable without affordable, transparent energy costs. Clayton County Energy District continues to advocate and educate to ensure our communities thrive through locally owned, affordable clean energy.