Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org
DES MOINES, IA -- By December 21, the Des Moines City Council is expected to vote on a resolution committing to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030. As an advocate for clean energy commitments across the country, and an expert on energy generation and distribution, Sierra Club was slated to speak on the agenda before the Council. MidAmerican Energy provides most of the City’s electricity, and Sierra Club’s recent Coal Truth report explains how much of MidAmerican’s energy generation continues to come from burning coal at significant cost to customers, contrary to the utility’s claim that it is on track to generate 100% of its energy from renewable sources. The report also points out that MidAmerican is one of the largest utilities in the country that continues to refuse to set a carbon reduction target, and that its emissions from burning coal represent the largest source of carbon pollution in Iowa. It is Sierra Club’s understanding that Sierra Club was removed from the meeting agenda at the request of MidAmerican.
In response, Des Moines Resident and Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Representative, Katie Rock, released the following statement:
"Sierra Club has assisted leaders in more than 170 cities nationwide in committing to a 100% clean, renewable energy future. Des Moines’ leaders have shown they are ready to take the same pledge, but MidAmerican is using its political might in Iowa to silence the voices of those trying to shed light on its greenwashing.
"Public accountability and transparency are vital when it comes to making commitments that will impact generations to come. Our Coal Truth report, which is based on analysis of MidAmerican’s own data, shows that MidAmerican could save customers in Iowa $92 million by retiring its uneconomical coal plants. The company’s desire to keep discussion of this report out of the public forum should raise questions about its willingness to deliver on any commitment the City of Des Moines makes.
“Time is running out. Climate change will not wait for MidAmerican execs to grow more comfortable with what the economics already supports: costs for wind, solar and storage continue to decline and fossil fuels can no longer compete. The City of Des Moines should continue to work towards a 24/7 clean energy commitment as part of its franchise agreement with MidAmerican, and all of us must continue to hold MidAmerican accountable for delivering on that promise for as long as it continues to operate one of the largest coal fleets in the country.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.