The Iowa Utilities Board has opened an inquiry into the federal climate change bill.
Critics say it will significantly boost electricity costs.
Supporters say it will curb global warming and only have a moderate impact on household budgets.
In a notice of inquiry Thursday, the board said it has had discussions with utilities, the state’s consumer advocate office and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, among others.
“It appears that Iowa utilities generally support the concept of a declining cap on greenhouse gas emissions. However, they have a number of concerns with how allowances are allocated in the bill,” the notice says.
Allowances, essentially permits to emit carbon, are at the center of a trading market the legislation creates.
The House approved the bill last month on a 219-212 vote.
Rob Hillesland, a spokesman for the board, said an inquiry into a congressional proposal “is not typical.” But he said the idea is “to learn as much as possible, to gather information and know what the impacts might be in Iowa.”
Read the rest of the QC Times story here.
