Why Iowa Faith & Climate Network Opposes the Governor’s Energy Bill (HF 834 / SF 585)
Our Faith Calls for a Healthy, Just, Sustainable Future for All
This bill opens the door to utility abuse. It allows companies like Alliant and MidAmerican to raise rates leading to decades of rapidly rising costs for ratepayers while guaranteeing growing profits for their investors—regardless of the impact on everyday Iowans
It Harms the Vulnerable
Families and faith communities already face rising costs. This bill shifts even more financial burden onto them while shielding monopoly utilities from risk.
It Lacks Accountability
The bill weakens the role of the Iowa Utilities Commission, reducing oversight of MidAmerican Energy and Alliant. It allows these companies to write their own rules, excluding the voices of everyday Iowans and virtually guaranteeing continued significant rate increases into the future.
Misguided Approach to Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
A strong IRP emphasizes transparency, public input, and a commitment to low-cost energy solutions that benefit all Iowans. However, the current bill weakens oversight, giving utilities too much control and allowing them to make profits their top priority no matter the impact on customers. (Read more on why Integrated Resource Planning is important.)
It Risks Costly Energy Projects
The bill paves the way for expensive, high-risk energy projects instead of community-centered clean energy solutions. For example, it encourages building new nuclear plants—possibly for export to other states—while Iowans foot the bill and utility companies lock in exorbitantly high, guaranteed profits through premium Return on Equity rates that no ratepayer should be forced to pay.
Why It’s Time to Walk Away
A transparent, well-regulated IRP process, with the Iowa Utilities Commission empowered to truly balance the needs of customers and utilities, is essential to protecting Iowans. This bill fails to achieve that balance, and without it, the bill cannot and must not move forward.
Our Moral Message: Love Thy Neighbor
We are called to protect our communities and steward our planet with integrity. This bill fails that test. If it isn’t dramatically improved, legislators must walk away.