Steve Sodders

Marshalltown, IA – Candidate for Senate District 22 Steve Sodders today praised the Marshalltown City Council for their leadership in expanding renewable energy options.

“With energy costs continuing to rise, anything that the State of Iowa and its cities can do to promote the use and availability of renewable energy sources should be seriously looked at,” said Sodders. 

According to the Marshalltown Times-Republican the Marshalltown city council decision would only allow commercial size wind turbines on 3 acres of land or more.  The turbine must also be at least 110 percent of its size away from the owner’s property line and 150 percent of its size away from overhead power lines.

Rooftop turbines could be implemented as long as they don’t exceed 20 feet about the point at which they sit and must be placed on the rear of the rooftop.

“With gas prices at all time highs and job creation stagnant I have made expanding renewable energy in Iowa a priority on my campaign.  By investing in renewable energy resources we can create a number of high paying jobs as well as reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.” Sodders pointed to nearby Eldora-New Providence School district that installed a turbine in 2002. According to their website they have already saved $47,670 in the first six months of this year.

Steve Sodders is currently a Marshall County Deputy Sheriff. Prior to his current service Sodders worked in the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments in Huxley, Eldora and State Center.  He is active with the local Youth and Shelter Services, Iowa Rivers Red Cross, Teamsters Law Enforcement League, and Hope United Methodist Church.

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