MARK HANAWALT

WAVERLY - Many of us in Iowa probably take affordable electricity for granted because it has always been there for us. But demand for electricity is growing. Energy conservation and increasing our use of renewable resources are important and make for great rhetoric in presidential politics, but that isn't going to get us the power we need now that Election Day is behind us. American energy needs are projected to rise by more than 20 percent by 2020.

Iowa gets over 78 percent of its electricity from coal-powered plants and consequently enjoys some of the lowest rates in the nation. Today's coal-fueled plants are more efficient than ever thanks to clean coal technology. In fact, it is technology that offers the best option for reducing emissions including the eventual capture and safe storage of CO2, while maintaining access to affordable, reliable energy.

Iowa is on the cusp of being a national leader in making smart energy choices that move our economy forward while keeping rates affordable for consumers. Along with efforts to increase the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, Iowa needs to continue to support advanced clean coal technology power plants to provide our electricity needs for the future. This is our best way to ensure business and industry can keep operating "and generating jobs" during these economically challenged times.