Solar is better for our environment

To the editor:

Iowa's solar energy industry is booming. We have come a long way in a few years since the Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha led the way with solar power in our state.

The IBEW Local 405 has added solar power. So have many businesses and utilities, including Farmers Electric Coop near Kalona and Paulson Electric in Cedar Rapids.

Nationally, the Solar Foundation says that 174,000 Americans work in the solar industry, with over 80 percent of those jobs created since 2010.

Using solar is better for the environment than burning coal or natural gas. Even accounting for energy and materials used in the manufacturing of solar panels, solar produces much less air pollution and toxic material than coal or natural gas.

With continued support from Congress and the president, the United States can accelerate the growth of solar power, creating more jobs and protecting the environment. You can help by buying solar, where possible, and by speaking up with elected officials and candidates.

The future of our earth depends on our actions now.

Jan Patterson

Marion