Des Moines High Schoolers Ask: Where is Mayor Cownie?

Roosevelt High School sophomore Hannah Hayes knocked Mayor Cownie's door this morning to ask him why he hasn't been a part of franchise negotiations with Iowa's biggest carbon polluter, MidAmerican Energy.

She was joined by Iowa CCI members and Des Moines residents who worked hard to pass a 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 resolution in 2021. Since then, MidAmerican Energy has doubled down on their plans to burn coal until 2050.

"We don't have time to wait another 27 years for climate justice. Franchise negotiations present a rare opportunity to push utility providers to work towards emissions reduction and clean energy goals,” said Roosevelt student Hannah Hayes. “Instead of leading in this moment, Mayor Cownie is flying to Sweden to talk at a climate and sustainability conference."

Students from high schools around Des Moines signed on to the letter Hayes attempted to deliver to Cownie Friday morning.

"We are past talking and know what action needs to be done: a just transition away from fossil fuels, money to working families to weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient, and mass deployment of local solar and energy storage systems,” said Isabelle Brace with Youth Alliance for people’s justice. “Stop ignoring those of us who will bear the brunt of this crisis."

The city is considering a 13-yr agreement with MidAmerican on Monday, which would lock Des Moines into a monopoly energy agreement with the for-profit corporation until 2035. Des Moines residents are demanding that this contract is shortened or has a cancellation window after 3 years and 8 years to align with the city’s emissions reduction and clean energy goals:

2025: 28% reduction in GHG emissions from 2008 levels

2030: 45% reduction in GHG emissions from 2010 levels

2035: 100% 24/7 carbon-free electricity citywide

Iowa cities like Council Bluffs, Waterloo, and Johnston have cancellation windows in their franchise agreement with MidAmerican Energy. These cancellation outs are an industry standard and other cities have used them to leverage their utility partner to meet clean energy goals