Iowa senators need to act on clean energy

In their Feb. 14 column, “Iowa must get its energy act together,” Michael Knotek and Robert Gitchell call upon the Iowa Legislature to develop an energy strategy that lays the foundation for a strong economy. They are certainly correct to call out the Legislature, but Iowa's leaders in D.C. also need to take action.

The U.S. Senate will vote as early as this week on a measure that will set us back in building a clean energy future. A proposal from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, would prevent the regulation of the biggest global warming polluters, keeping the nation dependent on oil and other dirty energy sources and costing us new clean energy jobs and improved security.

The vote is a test whether our lawmakers will act on behalf of the public or if Big Oil and Coal call the shots in the Senate. Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley should vote against this attack on Iowa's clean energy future.

Eric Nost

Environment Iowa

West Branch