Biofuels are important part of climate-change fight

What should Iowa look like 10, 20 or even 30 years from now?

I, for one, want more wind.

Let me explain. Iowa is leading the nation when it comes to renewable energy. We already generate more of our power from wind — 27 percent — than any other state.

In fact, we're on track to get as much as 50 percent of our power from wind by 2017. And last year, Iowa produced two times more biofuels than any other state — more than a quarter of the biofuels produced nationwide.

Right now, renewable energy supports more than 80,000 jobs in Iowa — paving the way for a thriving advanced energy economy, a healthy environment and a bright future for our kids.

But our commitment to renewable energy is also a part of something bigger: our fight against climate change. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose.

Climate change is real, and it is already having a devastating effect in Iowa. It's not up for debate — 97 percent of scientists agree climate change is real — and if you look around, you can see why.

Our farms, towns and families are already feeling the consequences of climate change, with record floods coming on the heels of a record drought. In 2012, we faced our worst drought since 1936, and Iowa communities suffered $1.6 billion in damage.

I've seen these consequences firsthand: I was in Cedar Rapids in 2008 when we were hit with a "once-in-a-lifetime" flood. I saw farmers lose entire crops to the drought two years ago. And I have talked to people impacted by this year's unusually heavy rains and flooding.

If we fail to take action on climate change now, we will continue to suffer through additional weather-related hardships, and worse.

This is about our future, and Iowans have a decision to make. We can continue down the path that leads to worsening floods, droughts and more carbon pollution, or we can strengthen our efforts to build a future supported by wind, biofuels and more renewable energy jobs. And, after knocking on hundreds of doors this summer, I'm confident that Iowans will make the right choice.

This is why we're working to put climate change on the ballot this November. It's time we hold our leaders responsible where it counts: at the polls. We're working to elect candidates who will fight for the clean energy future we want. The stakes couldn't be higher.

Iowa needs leaders like U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, who champions renewable energy and backs sensible policies to limit carbon pollution and create jobs. We can't afford politicians like state Sen. Joni Ernst, who is "philosophically opposed" to policies that support wind and biofuels production and buddies up with Big Oil and out-of-state polluters.

Iowa voters have responded enthusiastically to our efforts so far. To date, NextGen Climate's Iowa field staff has knocked on nearly 70,000 doors and placed more than 32,000 phone calls, in addition to thousands of conversations at college campuses and events throughout the state.

As a result of our work, more than 13,000 Iowa voters have pledged to help build Iowa's clean energy future, and vote to combat climate change this November. That's real momentum. Join us — come out and cast your vote on Election Day.

THE AUTHOR:

DEREK EADON is the Iowa Director for NextGen Climate, a national organization focused on bringing climate change to the forefront of American politics. To learn more: http://ia.nextgenclimate.org.