Maker Of Wind Energy Equipment Cuts Jobs In Iowa

Are “green” jobs on the rise?  Not so for Newton, Iowa, reports the Chicago Tribune.  According to that publication, TPI Composites, an Arizona corp., is cutting jobs at its wind turbine plant in Newton.  TPI had accepted tax incentives from the city of Newton in exchange for the creation of some 500 new jobs, had also been considering plans, based on further incentives, for another facility in Sioux City, and, with today’s announcement, reduces its total work force in the state to approximately 230.  The need to restructure its operations was cited.  In addition, TPI stated that it plans to again reach the employee numbers it agreed to with lawmakers by February of next year.  Negotiations with Sioux City are ongoing.

What lesson should one draw from this incident?  Green jobs and green energy, on their face, sound like the path to the rainbow that leads to the golden goose.  Their very mention makes everyone feel all warm and fuzzy and, not to mention, hip inside.  It doesn’t hurt at the polls these days either.  Lawmakers, however, should be more wary and longsighted before doling out public funds.  Public coffers are already woefully empty. Such prodigality by politicians, as in this scenario, can also lead to empty pockets and disappointment for the average Hawkeye.