Des Moines Register
01-14-07
Renewable energy, quality of life top 'to do' list
ISSUES TO WATCH
RENEWABLE ENERGY
ADD RESEARCH CAPABILITY;
THEN THINK REALLY BIG
Generations of Iowans have considered the state's productive soil a blessing and
its constant winds a curse. Today, each is clearly a benefit, propelling Iowa to
No. 1 in the nation in production of both ethanol and soil biodiesel and No. 3 in
installed capacity to generate electricity from wind.
The renewable-energy industry holds nearly limitless potential for generating new
jobs, products and businesses as oil supplies dwindle. How can lawmakers help
keep Iowa the epicenter of energy innovation?
As a top priority, build research capability at the regents universities. Iowa State
University has proposed spending an additional $5 million a year for the next
three years to hire 15 to 20 research scientists. ISU boasts considerable
strengths in biosciences research, but additional specialists will be needed to
drive the shift from corn-grain ethanol to cellulosic - made from the fibrous parts
of plants - or develop other types of biofuels. Iowa State also is requesting $28
million in capital funding to build a new biorenewables building, which would
house 10 to 12 research teams.
Increased funding is also needed to leverage federal and private research grants.
With a typical 20/80 split on federal grants, let's not let $8 million in research
funding slip away for want of a $2 million state match.
These are modest investments with potential for huge payoffs. But to really
separate Iowa as a renewable-energy leader, lawmakers need to think big: Take
a hard look at setting a state target for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
(Appoint a task force this session, including the best minds from industry and
academia, charged with producing a report for statewide discussion this fall,
ahead of the 2008 session.)
Such a goal would jump-start innovation by energy entrepreneurs. As it is, Iowa
is better positioned than other states to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, a
major greenhouse gas. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and
store the carbon. Iowa could reduce fossil-fuel use by growing more perennial
grasses (thus storing more carbon) and less corn and soybeans (thus requiring
less diesel and fertilizer). And then the state could cash in if the day comes when
industries or regions are compensated for reducing gases.
EDUCATION
SET HIGH STANDARDS,
BY SUBJECT AND GRADE
The Legislature has an obligation to assure all students receive a competitive
education for the 21st century, no matter where they live in the state.
Establishing statewide high school graduation requirements last year was an
important step. Now, set a date for adopting high standards for what students
should learn in core subjects in every grade.
That's one of three key recommendations from the Institute for Tomorrow's
Workforce, an education foundation created by the Legislature.
Lawmakers should pass the institute's two other proposals as well: Raise teacher
pay, tying salary increases to a career ladder that sets responsibilities and
performance measures; and require school districts to operate efficiently and
effectively.
Just raising teacher salaries, a key plank in the gubernatorial campaigns of both
major-party candidates, isn't enough. With higher pay should come higher
expectations, for students, teachers and school districts.
Expand preschool, too, moving toward the goal of offering universal preschool, to
help ensure all kids get a better start.
The Legislature and Gov. Chet Culver will have to find the courage to care more
about whether all youngsters are prepared for a global economy than whether
some voters in small communities oppose merging or dissolving their school
districts.
Teacher-salary increases and universal preschool are big-ticket items. Changes
will have to be phased in, but should be completed fairly quickly. Iowa is behind
in reform, and it shows in test scores.
For higher education, work to make tuition more affordable at the state's
universities and community colleges.