Bob Mulqueen, policy director of the newly created Iowa Office of Energy Independence, and Carrie La Seur, attorney and president of the non-profit environmental advocacy firm Plains Justice, spoke to Iowa Farmers Union members in Marshalltown at the 2008 Booster Club Luncheon, a fundraiser for IFU’s state lobbying efforts on behalf of independent family farmers.

Mulqueen outlined the structure and history of the OEI and PowerFund, which will be distributing $25 million per year for four years to Iowans who wish to develop renewable energy projects. See his PowerPoint presentation here: Mulqueen presentation.

La Seur gave an overview of the projects Plains Justice is undertaking, including their fight to stop the development of more coal plants in the state, and efforts to make sure the Iowa Department of Natural Resources enforces federal water quality standards. Click here to view her PowerPoint presentation: La Seur presentation.

Attendees also heard a legislative update from Rep. John Whitaker, and comments from IFU lobbyist Judie Hoffman, president Chris Petersen, and energy lobbyist/board member Gregg Heide.