Originally published in the Quad-City Times on May 30, 2025.
Former Gov. Terry Branstad wrote in the QC Times recently that "Iowa’s energy future depends on preserving tax credits." He noted the massive economic and environmental benefits the tax credits have played over the years and said "Iowans are looking to Senators Grassley and Ernst, as well as Representatives Feenstra and Miller-Meeks to keep supporting policies that strengthen our clean energy future."
Indeed, Sen. Grassley considers himself “the grandfather of the wind power tax credit,” a key reason why Iowa gets over two-thirds of its electricity from Iowa wind turbines – the highest percentage of any state. The US Department of Energy counted over 35,000 jobs in Iowa's clean energy sector in 2024. Solar power is the next technology coming to the Hawkeye State, joining wind and ethanol in making Iowa a 21st century renewable energy superpower.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks also likes to talk about her support for clean energy. She sits on the House Energy & Commerce Committee so she is in a position to act on her talk. Recently her committee voted to decimate support for clean energy, ending tax credits for solar on homes and businesses, electric cars, and energy efficient appliances, among other things.
Despite her talk, she voted for the bill, following the party line, not even offering an amendment to protect the tax credits she professed to hold so important.
Miller-Meeks is also chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, though that body has not posted a press release or newsletter since she assumed leadership a year ago. The Caucus is widely recognized as a way to provide political cover for Republicans in swing districts, so they can appear to care while not being required to do anything.
Indeed, cutting clean energy incentives is the opposite of what a “climate caucus” chair should be supporting. And given Iowa’s leadership on clean energy, and potential for future growth, it is the last thing an Iowa representative should be doing.
She clearly wants you to think she is a moderate, talking a lot about supporting wildly popular things like wind and solar power. But she votes in line with her corporate and special interest donors. In the last quarter she raised over $1 million in donations, according to Iowa Starting Line, “thanks largely to PACs and out-of-state money. Less than 8% came from Iowa donors.”
Miller-Meeks seems to be living up to the moniker of “marionette,” doing the dance of her corporate donors rather than doing what is good for her constituents and her district.
As the Senate takes up the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” next, it will be up to Senators Grassley and Ernst to put Iowa’s interests first and restore the cuts to clean energy that Miller-Meeks voted for.
Ben Paulos is a Davenport native (CHS class of '83), who works as a clean energy professional in California.