The Iowa House Commerce Committee has advanced the Local Generation Act (HSB 629) on a strong 19-4 vote, sending the legislation to the full House for consideration. The bill is designed to give families, farmers and small businesses access to locally controlled community energy projects that lower electricity bills, strengthen grid reliability and keep energy investment rooted in Iowa communities.
The committee vote marks significant momentum for the legislation, which has drawn broad support from landowners, rural communities and voters across party lines concerned about rising electricity costs and expanding economic opportunity in rural Iowa.
Republican Rep. Shannon Lundgren, House sponsor of HSB 629, welcomed the committee vote.
“Today’s vote shows that Iowa lawmakers recognize the need for practical, local solutions to rising electricity costs,” said Rep. Lundgren. “The Local Generation Act gives communities more control, supports family farmers, and expands energy choice — all while respecting existing service territories and private property rights. I look forward to advancing this bill on the House floor.”
A January 2026 statewide survey of registered Iowa voters found:
- 69% support allowing locally controlled, small-scale community energy projects, including strong backing from Republicans and independents;
- Only 7% oppose such policies;
- 69% say lawmakers need to do more to address rising utility bills; and
- 62% say they would be more likely to support a legislator who votes yes on a community energy bill.
Voters cited lower electricity bills, economic growth in rural areas, and expanded options for farmers and landowners as the top reasons for support.
“When energy dollars stay local, everybody benefits — landowners, schools, and counties. The Local Generation Act helps us pay our bills and keep our land, while also strengthening the community we live in. That’s a win-win,” said Angie Mohs, a landowner from Clayton County, Iowa.
“This is about choice. The Local Generation Act gives landowners another voluntary option to make their land financially viable without selling or subdividing it. That kind of flexibility is critical for families trying to pass farms down to the next generation,” said David Weaver, a landowner from Boone County, Iowa.
The legislation would allow locally controlled, small-scale community energy projects to serve households and businesses that cannot install rooftop systems, while preserving existing utility service territories and respecting local land-use decisions. Projects under the bill are designed to be community-scale, market-driven and focused on delivering measurable bill savings to subscribers.
Importantly, the bill explicitly preserves existing exclusive service areas for rural electric cooperatives and ensures that only projects authorized by the cooperatives can operate in cooperative territory.
Jason Holsman, Director of Government Affairs for the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), said the committee vote reflects growing momentum for local generation.
“A 19-4 committee vote sends a clear message that Iowans want more tools to lower energy costs and keep investment in their communities,” said Holsman. “The Local Generation Act empowers farmers, small businesses, and working families with a voluntary, market-based solution that strengthens rural economies and enhances grid reliability. We look forward to working with lawmakers to secure passage in the full House.”
News item from CCSA
