It’s been a challenging and frustrating legislative session for those of us fighting for meaningful climate and environmental action. At Iowa Faith & Climate Network, we’ve been carefully monitoring bills, strategizing where we can make the biggest impact. This year, Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced a major energy bill (HF 834 and SF 585), and while we are currently registered as undecided, that could change quickly. The bill is still evolving, and we are actively working to ensure it prioritizes transparency, accountability, and a just transition to clean energy.
Why Should People of Diverse Faith and Spirituality Care About the Governor’s Energy Bill?
At this point, the bill prioritizes corporate profits over stewardship and a healthy, just, and sustainable future for all. It weakens oversight of utilities like MidAmerican Energy and Alliant, allowing them to raise rates unchecked while continuing to pollute Iowa’s air and water. Low-income families, farmers, and faith communities will bear the financial burden, while the bill paves the way for expensive, high-risk energy projects, instead of community-centered clean energy solutions. Transparency and public input are essential, yet this bill allows utilities to write their own rules, shutting out the voices of everyday Iowans.
Our faith calls us to protect our planet for future generations and advocate for justice. We need an energy transition that prioritizes people over profits, with fair rates, responsible planning, and real accountability.
What is Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) and Why Does it Matter?
Iowa Faith & Climate Network is closely watching how Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) is applied in the Governor’s energy bill, as it will determine our stance. IRP is a utility planning process designed to meet future energy needs in the most cost-effective way by evaluating all available options—building new power plants, purchasing energy, improving efficiency, and reducing demand. IRP is also about ratepayer, the utility customer, and community stewardship. Study after study informs us that climate-smart clean energy solutions like wind and solar are more cost effective. When done right, IRP ensures decisions balance affordability, reliability, and sustainability, while prioritizing the interests of customers and communities over corporate profits.
However, the current bill weakens oversight, giving utilities too much control and allowing them to shape the process in their favor. A strong IRP must emphasize transparency and public input that benefit all Iowa’s ratepayers and communities. Iowns., and a commitment to clean energy solutions that benefit all Iowans. We must demand an IRP framework that protects all Iowans while ensuring a healthy, just, and sustainable energy future for all.
What’s Next?
UPDATE: Iowa Faith & Climate Network is registered opposed to both HF 834 / SF 585. (Read more on why it’s time to walk away.)
We will continue to closely monitor the Governor’s Energy Bill as it progresses through the legislative process. Once the bill is scheduled for a floor vote, we will send out an Action Alert to mobilize faith for advocacy, urging you to contact your state representatives and make your voice heard. Together, we can advocate for an energy future that reflects our values.