A statewide group of people of faith finding solutions to climate change connected with the community at an event this week. Iowa Interfaith Power and Light and Creation Care of Pella hosted a workshop called “Faithfully Protecting Solar” Tuesday evening at Central College. Matt Russell with Iowa Interfaith Power and Light says the purpose of the event was to get community members thinking about how their faith ties into clean energy and in particular, solar energy in Iowa.

One of the bills placing fees on solar generators passed an Iowa House Committee this week – critics argue the bill is premature, as a study is ongoing to see the costs private solar users have on use of grids supported by utility companies, and that additional fees will slow investment in solar projects. Supporters, including most utility companies and electric cooperatives in Iowa, say it’s time for private solar users to pay for their use of the grid and support the groups maintaining those lines currently.