University of Iowa News Release

Sept. 13, 2007

Gov. Culver names UI's Schnoor to chair state climate change council

Jerry Schnoor (photo, left), co-director of the University of Iowa College of Engineering's Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, has been appointed chair of the new 27-member state of Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council by Gov. Chet Culver.

Schnoor, who also serves as Allen S. Henry Chair in Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and research engineer at IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering, has extensive environmental research experience. In July, Schnoor, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, chaired a U.S. biofuels production colloquium for the National Research Council at The National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, D.C.

Commenting on Iowa's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Schnoor said:

"States are taking the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and I'm proud of Iowa for being among the leaders," he said. "The Council has an ambitious agenda to propose steep reductions in our state-wide emissions by 2050. Fortunately, Iowans are already rising to the challenge by conserving energy, improving energy efficiency, purchasing green power, building wind turbine facilities, and investing in biofuels. We are on the verge of a radical transformation of our economy that will create jobs and prosperity for the future while protecting the environment."

In addition to Schnoor, two other individuals with close ties to the UI College of Engineering were appointed to the council:

--Robert Lloyd of Iowa City, general plant manager, Clipper Turbine Works of Cedar Rapids, (an alternative energy equipment manufacturer), UI College of Engineering alumnus (bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering), and member of the college's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Advisory Board.
 
--Richard Ney of Coralville, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Johnston,
Iowa, UI College of Engineering alumnus (master of science degree and doctorate in civil and environmental engineering).
 
The council's 23 voting members, appointed to three-year terms, represent the UI Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research, the University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy and Environmental Education, the Iowa State University Department of Agronomy, and various environmental, municipal, farm, labor, consumer and utility interests, as well as the general public. In addition, four non-voting members, two from the Iowa Senate and two from the Iowa House, represent the legislature.
 
Administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the council is charged with developing short, medium and long-range plans to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions -- including one that would cut such emissions by 50 percent in 2050 -- for presentation to the governor and general assembly by Jan. 1, 2008. The department must submit a report by September 1 of each year regarding greenhouse gas emissions in the state during the previous calendar year.

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500

MEDIA CONTACT: Gary Galluzzo, University News Services, 319-384-0009, gary-galluzzo@uiowa.edu