Office of Energy Independence Director wants more energy efficiency

The State of Iowa's Office of Energy Independence is in charge of the state's drive to reduce energy usage in buildings by 30 percent by 2025.  OEI Director Roya Stanley on Tuesday told members of the Decorah Rotary Club that such a goal requires aggressively expanding energy efficiency projects.

Stanley's organization is in charge of the Iowa Power Fund, a $100 million financial assistance program set up three years ago by Governor Culver.  So far $78 million of those funds have been spent or pledge, with one year remaining in the program.

Stanley says the state has invested in a variety of projects, ranging from wind power to biofuel to energy efficiency.  One of the projects is the Winneshiek Energy District, which received $41,350 from the Iowa Power Fund to help facilitate discussions about renewable energy.

Stanely's visit to Decorah on Tuesday was her fourth visit to an Iowa community to hear public testimony about energy projects.