Balancing Its Agricultural Economy, Biofuel Production and Wind Power Generation

As Iowa grows as a center of biofuel production (ethanol and biodiesel), so will potential GHG emissions.

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 the second most installed wind capacity of any state. Iowa ranked first in the US in 2009 for percentage of electricity (14.2%) derived from wind (American Wind Energy Association). 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 policy options, 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.  As part of the 2010 State Government Reorganization (Senate File 2088), the Council was disbanded on July 1, 2011.

This climate change fact sheet from the Iowa State University's Plant Sciences institute has more information on agricultural plants and climate change.