Feb 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - James Q. Lynch The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Culver called for establishing a renewable energy standard of 25 percent by 2025 and an energy efficiency standard of 1.5 percent per year. He also wants to create a state board on energy efficiency standards for residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Iowa has made progress in breaking its dependence on foreign oil, Culver said by telephone from Washington, D.C., where he was attending the National Governors Association meeting. Last year, for example, the Legislature created the $100 million Iowa Power Fund to finance alternative and renewable energy projects.

"The question is, what do we do to continue to push the envelope," Culver said.

There is private and public support for more energy measures, he said, noting endorsements of the 25 percent renewable energy standard by the Iowa Farm Bureau, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and Iowa Soybean Association, as well as national organizations.

It's a "very doable" plan, according to Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, who the governor said would be helping guide the plan through the Legislature.

"It won't sail through the Legislature," he said, "but we'll put our oars in the water and see how far we can go." Culver described his plan as harvesting the "low-hanging fruit" in terms of energy efficiency -- turning off computers while not in use and switching to more efficient light bulbs.

By taking even small steps, he said, the state can reduce energy costs, develop more than it consumes so Iowa be comes a net energy exporter and reap long-term economic advantages.

The governor's proposal probably isn't on every lawmaker's "must-do" list, Hogg said, "but they'll give it a fair hearing."

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