COUNCIL BLUFFS — At the moment, outgoing Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has no definitive plans for the future but would like to remain a voice for renewable energy, he said during a farewell stop Wednesday in Council Bluffs.
“I think energy security is the most important issue we're dealing with in this country,” he said.
The growth of Iowa's renewable energy industry was his biggest accomplishment during his four years as governor, Culver said.
“Today, 20 percent of our power in this state is renewable power, and that's up from 5 percent when I started.”
Eight wind energy companies are now up and running around the state, with 200 supply-related businesses, Culver said. Approximately 40 wind farms have been built, he added. Altogether, 8,000 new green jobs have been created in this industry in the past four years.
Another option for his future could be in education, added the former high school teacher. “I'm open to exploring any number of options,” he said.
Council Bluffs was the first stop on his two-day “Thank You, Iowa” tour. The state's 40th governor is leaving office next week following his November election defeat by Republican challenger and former Gov. Terry Branstad.
Speaking to an estimated 40 people at the Kitchen Emporium and Wine Shoppe on South Main Street, Culver thanked state and local officials for helping him deal with difficult times. These officials, he said, included Mayor Tom Hanafan and Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, both of whom were on hand.
“We have been through a lot, including the worst economic downtown since the Great Depression, historic floods and the H1N1 flu pandemic,” Culver said.
In addition to the state's renewable energy growth, Culver cited these accomplishments: expansion of early childhood education for 25,000 additional children; 99 percent of the state's children now have health insurance through the state's efforts; and unemployment is 3 percent below the national average.
“You should be proud of the progress you made,” Culver told the local officials. “We're leaving the state better than what we found it. Our best days are ahead.”
Hanafan, like Culver a Democrat, praised Culver's efforts in passing the I-JOBS stimulus package to help flooding victims and overall infrastructure improvements.
“Chet Culver has been a great asset for Iowa,” Hanafan said.
Culver said his transition team has been working with the Branstad team to prepare for the new administration.
“I wish them all the best.”
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