As Iowa continues to assess implementing regulations for coal plants under the Environmental Protection Agency’s new Clean Power Plan, Governor Branstad is weighing in on the plan and how Iowa can adhere to its requirements. Branstad attended the Iowa Wind Energy Association’s conference in West Des Moines on Wednesday and was asked by a member to give his opinion of the federal plan.

“Generally, I’m supportive, but my problem is this: I want to get credit for what we did before 2005,” said Branstad. “You know, they just arbitrarily said you only get credit for what you did after 2005. We started in ‘83, and so we had a lot of progress before that. I don’t think that’s very fair to a state like Iowa who has been a leader in clean energy.”

Branstad has outspoken on the impact of the EPA on Iowa, especially with recent remarks from the agency that it will not enforce Renewable Fuel Standards.

“Dealing with the EPA can be a challenge, and we’re doing battle with them on the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Branstad. “They want to reduce it, and the law says it should be increased. Reducing it has driven down  the price of corn and prevented a lot of expansion of ethanol and biodiesel plants that would be good for the Iowa economy and good for the environment.”

The governor further said at the end of the day, clean and renewable energy benefits all aspects of Iowa, and he is happy to give tax breaks to certain companies that want to invest in the industry.

“I support wind energy, I support ethanol and biodiesel,” said Branstad. “All of this is good for the economy, it’s good for jobs, and it’s good for the environment.”