MUSCATINE, Iowa – A group of local residents has launched the nonprofit Muscatine County Energy District to develop energy solutions to meet the needs of Muscatine County.
The group has been meeting and planning to create the agency designed to shine a light on a clean, bright future since October 2022, a news release for the organization said.
The new organization envisions a community powered by sustainable, renewable energy used efficiently which will contribute to a vibrant economy and stable climate. Its mission is to implement that vision through education, energy planning, advocacy, investment, and partnerships.
“Specifically, we will work to educate the public about renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts; promote energy planning, measurement, and monitoring programs with local governments and institutions; advocate for policies leading to energy independence; and connect consumers, businesses, and organizations with energy and efficiency related investment opportunities,” energy district President Sue Johannsen said in the release..
Muscatine County Energy District continues the focus on the efforts started by Clean Air Muscatine (CLAM), a nonprofit that worked for over 10 years to improve air quality in Muscatine County. As the community’s air pollution was reduced, CLAM’s emphasis shifted to promoting solar and other renewable energy. Over the past two years CLAM worked with the emerging energy district leadership and now is renamed and organized as the Muscatine County Energy District.
The new energy district has already made plans to connect with the community. It introduced the energy district concept on Friday, June 2, at the Stanley Center for Peace & Security Sustainability Fair. Plans are in the works for additional community events this summer. Plus, it will develop a solar tour to introduce Muscatine-County legislators to the many solar energy-generating installations in operation.
What is an Energy District?
Inspired by the Soil & Water Conservation Districts formed in the 1930s, an energy district is a nonprofit organization that serves a specific county, the release said. It fosters the development of locally tailored energy solutions that account for the demographic, geographic, and regulatory factors in that county. An energy district also empowers local energy users to make changes, facilitates cooperation between diverse public and private stakeholders, and stimulates the local economy by promoting investment in energy projects and jobs.
Through education and community outreach, an Energy District increases adoption of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy production, thereby reducing carbon emissions and other pollution. Finally, an Energy District improves community resiliency through distributed energy generation and storage.
District leadership team
Members of the Muscatine County Energy District’s Board of Directors and the areas they represent include:
- Sue Johannsen – Muscatine.
- Jean Clark – Muscatine.
- Franz Silberger – Muscatine.
- Jim Elias – Muscatine County.
- Robert Stover – Muscatine County.
- Deb Hughes – Muscatine County.
- Barb Smith – Moscow.
- Mark Patton – Wilton.
- Ed Moreno – West Liberty.
The district also invites other residents to become “Energy Champions.” The group typically meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Musser Public Library in Muscatine. Leaders can be reached online at MuscatineCountyEnergyDistrict.org or via email at MuscatineCountyEnergyDistrict@gmail.com.
