Letter to the Editor: Keep Iowa moving forward with energy tax credits

By Dave Johnson, Riceville

As a lifelong Iowa farmer and landowner who currently participates in a wind energy project, I’ve seen firsthand how energy tax credits support rural families and strengthen Iowa’s energy future. These credits are crucial for maintaining reliable power and serve as a financial hedge for farmers facing unpredictable markets.

Here in Iowa, we are known for having the freedom to flourish, It’s time we unlock our true potential and allow renewable energy to flourish. However, the recent proposal from the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee to cut energy tax credits threatens this stability.

The proposed cuts would undermine the tools that allow farmers and rural communities to invest in clean, reliable energy. This isn’t just about economic growth – it’s about securing the future of our energy grid and ensuring farmers can adapt to changing markets.

Investing in wind and other clean energy sources keeps energy production local, lowering costs for Iowans and contributing to a more reliable power grid nationwide. A strong energy sector also helps Iowa stay competitive globally, attracting industries and jobs to the state.

I’m proud to be a farmer on the forefront of creating energy independence for America. I hope farmers continue to have the same opportunities I did.

If we want to prioritize American energy independence and support hardworking farmers, we need to ensure these tax credits remain in place. Cutting them would make it harder for farmers to invest in clean energy projects, which help diversify incomes and provide additional local revenue.

I urge Iowa’s congressional delegation to oppose these harmful cuts. We need policies that strengthen our energy industry and economy – policies that ensure a prosperous future for Iowa’s farmers and the state as a whole.

Let’s keep Iowa moving forward.