Defend wind energy credits to secure jobs

For over a decade, I have traveled rural Iowa inspecting wind turbines. This has provided job stability and a paycheck that allows me to take care of my family. It has also put me on the front lines of the energy revolution in America. With wind energy providing more than 60% of the Hawkeye State's electricity.

My work isn’t just a job, it’s a great career. This industry pays well, jobs like mine can’t be offshored and many are in rural communities. It feels good to work on something my community needs: The projects I’ve worked on power hundreds of thousands of homes with clean, reliable electricity. But without continued support from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, many similar projects across Iowa could stall, leaving both workers and communities without the economic and environmental benefits they provide.

Success stories in wind energy are common in our state, thanks in large part to Sen. Chuck Grassley, who wrote the original tax credit to turbocharge wind energy in the 1990s and has proudly described himself as the “father” of wind energy production.

Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature and governors of both parties have also contributed to the growth of wind energy, and we have seen the benefits across our state. And thanks to historic investments from the IRA, we've seen wind energy ramp up, with more than $25 billion in new investments in Iowa. From farmers making the most of their land with solar and wind projects to workers in new manufacturing facilities to technicians like me out in the field — thanks to tax credits for wind, we are all building an economy that is lowering energy bills for families, cleaning up the air we breathe, and creating job opportunities for our kids and grandkids.

Even as Iowa workers, families and communities reap the benefits of clean energy, we've seen members of the U.S. House of Representatives just this month curtail these incredible opportunities by passing a federal budget bill severely weakening or cutting clean energy tax credits.

That's why I'm strongly urging Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to stand with workers in our industry and Iowan families across the state and ensure that these tax credits remain a powerful source of support for Iowa’s economy.

Grassley has the opportunity right now to secure his wind energy legacy. Ernst, who expressed her enthusiasm for wind energy when I met her on Capitol Hill in March, can also help ensure Iowa continues to reap the benefits of a reliable, affordable, and green source of energy.

Workers, families, and communities in Iowa want to see these strategic investments and policies continue so our jobs remain intact and we can build a future that's better for our economy, our people and our environment.

By strengthening, rather than weakening, the Inflation Reduction Act, Senators can ensure that the momentum of our wind energy industry persists and we can keep energy bills low and job creation high. With continued support, we can build a prosperous, resilient, and healthier future for all.

Joe Zimsen Iowa resident and energy worker,