Iowans Wanting Energy Conservation Before New Coal Plants

Iowans Wanting Energy Conservation Before New Coal Plants



January 2008  - Four out of five Iowans 
believe energy conservation and fuel efficiency should be the focus of 
state efforts to meet electricity demand before new coal-burning power 
plants are built, according to a new public opinion poll. 
Iowa officials are contemplating two coal-fired facilities proposed for 
construction near Waterloo and Marshalltown. 
Commissioned by Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, Iowa Farmers Union and 
Plains Justice, the survey results are based on telephone interviews 
conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation December 7 to 11. 
Respondents were a representative sample of 1,005 adults aged 18 and over 
living in private households in Iowa. About nine out of 10 said they are 
registered to vote. 
The majority that supports the "conservation/energy efficiency first" 
approach includes 69 percent of Republicans, 86 percent of Democrats and 
79 percent of Independents, the survey found. 
More than three out of five Iowans (64 percent) agree with the following 
statement: " ... the best energy alternative is greater efficiency and 
conservation to eliminate waste, combined with more wind, solar power and 
other alternative energy ... doing this would ultimately save money in the 
form of economic benefits to the state, such as cleaner air, healthier 
children, and fewer public health risks. Therefore, we should not build 
additional coal-fired power plants in Iowa." 
Those agreeing include 73 percent of Democrats, 54 percent of Republicans 
and 68 percent of Independents. 
Neighboring Kansas in October denied a permit to expand a coal-fired 
generating plant because of climate change concerns. Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment Secretary Rod Bremby said, "I believe it would be 
irresponsible to ignore emerging information about the contribution of 
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to climate change and the 
potential harm to our environment and health if we do nothing." 
 
Graham Hueber, senior researcher with Opinion Research Corporation said, 
"These findings are bad news for people who want to build coal-fired power 
plants in Iowa. The survey clearly shows that majorities of Democratic and 
Republican caucus goers - as well as other Iowa adults - would prefer to 
see an alternative that does not involve putting new coal-fired power 
plants in the state." 
"We find strong support here for enhanced energy conservation and a major 
infusion of state and private investment dollars in clean energy," Hueber 
said. "It is also evident that health concerns associated with power plant 
pollution are seen as a legitimate public health issue, particularly when 
it comes to children." 
Two thirds of likely Iowa caucus goers and 65 percent of all state 
residents told interviewers that they favor a "one-year-long statewide 
dialogue in Iowa involving state officials, citizens, unions and utility 
company regulators to help shape the energy future of Iowa during which 
current coal-fired power plant plans would be frozen to allow for the most 
comprehensive discussion." 
That group includes 58 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 
67 percent of Independents. 
By a wide majority (88 percent) respondents said they believe that "the 
state government of Iowa, as a matter of formal policy, encourages more 
public and private investment in alternative energy to help create new 
jobs in the state." 
Bishop Alan Scarfe of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa commented on the 
survey results on behalf of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, saying, "From 
the perspective of the religious communities, the recently proposed 
coal-fired power plants threaten rather than assist our progress towards 
renewable energy." 
"The intention of placing them in the demographics of our most at-risk 
individuals, Marshalltown with its large Latino population, and Waterloo 
with its greater number of African Americans may have the appearance of 
providing employment, but at great cost to the health of the participants, 
as well as the families in the proposed areas," said Bishop Scarfe. 
"Iowans have shown in this poll that they want time for discussions at the 
highest level of public representation," he said. 
Iowa Farmers Union President Chris Petersen said, "In a time of 
skyrocketing energy costs, Iowa Farmers Union supports legislation that 
promotes the advancement of renewable energy technology to reduce our 
dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels and gives farmers the 
opportunity to own the means of production." 
Only about two out of five Iowans (42 percent) say they favor "building 
new coal-fired power plants in the state," compared to a total of 58 
percent who either oppose new plants or have not yet made up their mind. 
The survey found fewer than one in three Iowans (31 percent) see "access 
to affordable electricity" as a sufficient justification for building new 
coal-fired power plants in the state. 
Carrie La Seur, president of Plains Justice based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 
and a member of the Iowa Power Fund Board said, "At a January Iowa 
Utilities Board hearing, an impressive slate of national experts will 
testify that the proposed Marshalltown coal plant would be a costly 
mistake. Iowa's renewable energy revolution is the answer for our power 
needs, not a $1.5 billion investment in 19th century technology." 
"We call on the governor to protect Iowa's investment by giving our energy 
and climate planning processes a chance to work before we permit any new 
coal plants," she said. 
Bishop Scarfe says Iowans are keeping the global picture in mind as they 
consider how to meet their electricity needs. 
"With all our eyes focused on the disappointing response of the United 
States administration to the conversation and conclusions of the Bali 
meeting," the bishop said, "this is an opportunity for our own governor of 
Iowa to demonstrate that many Iowans are among the people within the 
United States who nevertheless understand the deeper implications of the 
crisis upon us." 

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