Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Energy Meetings Scheduled For Public Input
(DES MOINES) – The newly formed Office of Energy Independence will host four meetings across the state to gather input from the public for the Iowa Energy Independence Plan. The purpose of the Energy Independence Plan is to outline strategies for Iowa to achieve energy independence by year 2025.
“We want to gather input from as many Iowans as possible. We need to hear from a diverse group of people and stakeholders in order to come up with a bold and achievable energy plan,” said Roya Stanley, Director of the Office of Energy Independence.
Each meeting will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The meeting agenda will consist of a brief overview of the
purpose of the Iowa Power Fund and some of the ideas being considered for the first annual Energy Independence Plan
that is due December 14, 2007. OEI will be looking for input from interested parties regarding:
- How Iowa can produce more of its own energy needs
- How OEI can help Iowans reduce their energy usage
- How the Iowa Power Fund can wisely invest $100 million over the next four years to help us be more energy independent
- How environmental protection and sustainability should be included in our energy plan
- How OEI can continue to engage the public in helping to achieve these goals
- How best to reduce state greenhouse gas emissions
- How to improve Iowa’s economy through energy efficiency and renewable energy
Schedule for the energy meetings:
- Thursday, October 18: State Historical Building Auditorium, Des Moines
- Monday, October 22: North Ridge Pavilion (2250 Holiday Road), Coralville
- Thursday, October 25: Iowa Western Community College, Looft Hall Auditorium, Council Bluffs
- Monday, October 29: Iowa Central Community College, Career Education Building, Rooms 108-110, Fort Dodge
Those who are unable to attend one of the meetings, but would like to provide input for the Iowa Energy Independence Plan, please send comments by October 30, 2007 to: Tommi Makila, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319; or email to Tommi.Makila@dnr.iowa.gov.