Ending our dependence on foreign oil and promoting Iowa renewable energy is a top priority of mine. Iowa is already a national leader in biofuels, but our state has the potential to become a world leader in the research, development, and production of renewable energy.

I’m working hard in Congress to shift the United States’ energy focus from the Middle East to the Midwest so we can invest more in renewable energy like ethanol and biodiesel and create the good-paying jobs of the future.

The first bill I introduced in Congress was the New Era Act of 2007—a law that would create a grant program for Iowa’s community colleges to offer renewable energy workforce training programs.

•  Passed on Wednesday, September 9th with my support (I also co-sponsored this bill.)

•  Will result in higher performance and lower costs in wind energy generation

• Improves energy efficiency, reliability and capacity of wind turbines
• Optimizes the design and adaptability of wind energy systems
• Reduces the cost of construction, generation and maintenance of wind energy systems

It will focus on specified areas, including:

• New materials and designs to make larger, lighter and less expensive rotor blades;
• Technologies to improve gearbox performance and reliability;
• Automation, materials, and assembly of large-scale components to reduce manufacturing costs;
• Advanced technology for small wind turbines. 

American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act:  

• Passed on Friday, June 26th with my support

• Creates jobs and decreases dependence on foreign oil
  

• Click here to read Rep. Braley's statement on the bill.