The extension of a renewable energy program, which has created Iowa jobs, leveraged dozens of wind projects with $276 million in up front incentives awarded in 2010, and significantly increased wind energy generation in Iowa, was discussed in Congress today and will be debated in the Senate on Monday. The Iowa Environmental Council has been advocating for the extension of this program that makes wind, geo-thermal and solar energy affordable for farm operations and small businesses and increases demand for renewable energy equipment, in turn creating jobs for Iowa's wind manufacturing businesses in particular. 

Congress failed in passing carbon-limiting legislation, which has taken the pressure off large utilities to transition to more renewables. Programs, such as the one mentioned above, are needed to support continued growth of renewables.

A bloc of legislators are supporting a 2-year extension of the program, including Harkin.