Wind energy creates jobs, enhances security

Sen. Chuck Grassley is right to support a renewable electricity standard requiring large utilities to get 15 percent of electricity from sources like wind by 2021. It is good for Iowa, and it's good for America.

The guest column by Steve Millroy (Oct. 3) criticizing the standard overlooks critical points.

Increasing wind generation would create thousands of jobs in rural Iowa and help revitalize communities. Wind electricity is cost-competitive with new coal, natural gas and nuclear plants. Electricity produced from Iowa wind can enhance U.S. security by reducing reliance on imported oil and natural gas.

The renewable electricity standard undergirds the market to enable the industry to resume its growth and help lead Iowa and the region out of recession.

Chuck Hassebrook

Executive Director

Center for Rural

Affairs

Lyons, Neb.