As Iowa grows as a center of biofuel production (ethanol and biodiesel), so will potential GHG emissions. In the last 13 years electric generation emissions have grown by 33 percent. Because Iowa’s emissions have remained fairly steady from 1997 to 2003, increases from this sector were probably offset by reduction improvements from industries and agriculture.

Iowa will need to balance a growing ethanol industry with strong demands for both feed and fuel corn, while retaining wildlife habitats and woodlands for CO2 sequestration.

The potent power of agriculturally based methane and nitrous oxide emissions will challenge Iowa’s farmers to adapt emerging and new technologies in their production methods and facilities.

Taking advantage of its open spaces and high volume of wind, Iowa has become the third largest producer of wind energy in the United States. Demand will grow for sites for the installation of even more wind turbines.

On April 27, 2007 the Iowa Legislature passed a bill to create the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council to help determine the best strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their recommendations, along with leaders from energy, industry and agriculture will help develop policies and initiatives to curb the generation of greenhouse gases and keep Iowa’s economy strong.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is establishing a state greenhouse gas inventory that will assist in the development of these policies and initiatives.

For more information on agricultural plants and climate change, go to www.plantsciences.iastate.edu/plantsclimatechange/ and click on Climate Change Fact Sheet.