Iowa's new energy plan: More renewable energy, stronger power grid

Iowa's new energy strategy envisions electric car-charging stations across the state, anaerobic digesters that turn animal waste to energy, and top state and federal researchers finding ways to store wind and solar energy.  Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds released the broad energy report Wednesday that looks at Iowa's energy needs over the next decade. It provided 45 recommendations ranging from modernizing the state's electric power grid to improving state tax credits for solar energy. Reynolds and Debi Durham, Iowa's economic development leader, said energy is key to economic development and job creation across the state, especially in rural areas. "We want to ensure that Iowa remains a place where businesses and people want to call home," Durham said. Durham and Reynolds worked with nearly 50 energy, business, farm and community leaders over a year to develop the strategy. It builds on Iowa's leadership in energy research, wind generation, biofuels development, and agricultural production, leaders said.