Statewide Iowa — A new study commissioned by the Iowa Environmental Council finds Iowa communities that are home to coal-fired power plants should be proactive about planning for those facilities to close.
Iowa is home to nine utility-owned coal plants. The study says while the economic impact of the facilities can be significant, local communities can manage the loss. Eric Christianson is the study’s main author.
The share of Iowa’s energy that’s generated by coal has fallen significantly in recent years, as the cost of renewables has gone down and demand has gone up. The state’s utility-owned coal plants employ about 600 people. According to the study, the facilities support less than one percent of the total jobs in the counties where they’re located. The IEC’s Kerri Johannsen says having the facts on the economic impact can help communities prepare for plant closures.
The study authors reason that communities which proactively plan for a closure will be better able to attract new economic development and fill in budgetary gaps.
