By Nicole Lederer of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) 
E2 is a 2014 Invoking the Pause Grant Partner.
This photo illustrates the remarkable impact of E2's ITP-sponsored retreat to Iowa.  Governor Branstad of Iowa has not been particularly focused on meeting with clean energy advocates, and many of our partner organizations had tried and failed to get in to his office.  But because we were able to rally a very compelling group of his own constituents, ... and because we were able to provide them with training about how best to tell their own stories and how to work as a team in this kind of meeting, we got a strong endorsement from the Governor's staff who recommended that he meet with us in person.  This meeting took place last week.  You can see Bob Keefe on the right.  Next to him is a famous Iowa football star who is now a solar energy executive - and the others have equally powerful perspectives, all home grown in Iowa.  We are the only environmental organization I'm aware of that's been able to sit down with Governor Branstad to discuss the Clean Power Plan, and that's because of our business focus and our local support.  The Governor now knows that Iowa business leaders support the CPP and will support him publicly in working with the Administration to come up with a plan for Iowa to meet the standards.

Thanks again ITP for helping us make this progress - now on to other states! - Nicole

 

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