May 12, 2025
Des Moines – At the annual shareholder meeting, Berkshire Hathaway Chairman and CEO Warren Buffett announced plans to retire at the end of 2025. Upon board confirmation of his recommendation, Greg Abel, current Vice Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, will assume the role of CEO and Chairman at the end of the year.
STATEMENT BY THE CLEAN UP MIDAM COALITION:
“Warren Buffett is retiring, but what about the coal plants? While Berkshire Hathaway’s leadership is changing, Iowans are still living with the daily impacts of Berkshire running one of the largest and dirtiest coal fleets in the country through its subsidiary MidAmerican Energy.
As the leader of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Abel has ignored the negative air and water impacts these coal plants have in Iowa, and we fear little will change as he ascends to the top of the conglomerate. The toxic emissions from these coal plants have polluted Iowa’s air, causing increases in asthma and other health issues, and the coal ash waste generated has contaminated groundwater with carcinogens. It is time for Greg Abel to be a true leader and make a real plan to transition to clean energy for the health of Iowans.”
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The Clean Up MidAm Coalition includes multiple organizations including the Iowa Environmental Council, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Sierra Club, Great Plains Action Society, Clean Energy Districts of Iowa, Iowa Faith & Climate Network, Moms Clean Air Force, and countless Iowans who care about the future of our state. Visit www.CleanUpMidAm.com for more information.