P. Barry Butler, professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and executive vice president and provost of the University of Iowa, recently was interviewed by Iowa Public Radio on a new report by the US Department of Energy that shows costs continue to decline while wind turbine technology becomes more efficient.

During this River to River interview on Iowa Public Radio, host Ben Kieffer talked with Butler about President Obama's new plan, the hurdles to wind energy production and what's next for wind energy in Iowa.

Butler co-chaired a research and development committee for the American Wind Energy Association and participated on a Wind Visioning Committee with the U.S. Department of Energy. He said Iowa isn't just impressive in the context of the U.S., it would be a world leader if it were a country.