Former Gov. Mitch Daniels' Newsroom

Contact: Jane Jankowski
Phone: 317-232-1622
Email: jjankowski@gov.in.gov
GOV2

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2005
Governor signs Clean Indiana Energy legislation
EVANSVILLE (May 9, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels initiated a revival of Indiana’s coal industry today when he signed the Clean Indiana Energy Bill (SEA 378)

EVANSVILLE (May 9, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels initiated a revival of Indiana’s coal industry today when he signed the Clean Indiana Energy Bill (SEA 378).

 

Clean Indiana Energy is part of the governor’s economic growth package, and incentives in the law will encourage development of coal gas and biomass energy plants which utilize Indiana’s supply of clean coal, corn, soybeans and other renewable organic material. Senator Tom Weatherwax, R-Logansport, was the author and Rep. Troy Woodruff, R-Vincennes, was the House sponsor.

 

“I believe Indiana can be a capital of the coming era of clean coal and renewable biofuels,” said Daniels. “Troy Woodruff took the lead in developing and moving our legislation, which is a critical step toward greater prosperity in Southwestern Indiana.”

 

The law will encourage development of several large energy production facilities, including coal gasification power plants as well as several ethanol and biodiesel plants. The new policy also could assist Indiana in becoming more self-sufficient in energy production and meet more strict environmental standards.

 

The Purdue University Center for Coal Technology Research estimates that substitution of Indiana coal through clean coal technologies required in Clean Indiana Energy could replace the 22.5 million tons of coal currently imported and add more than $ billion and 18,000 jobs to the state’s economy.

 

Earlier this spring, Governor Daniels signed legislation that requires biofuels use in state vehicles whenever possible. The governor also is using soy biodiesel provided by the Indiana Soybean Board to conduct business as he travels Indiana in RV 1.

 

Other co-authors of the legislation were Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville; Sen. John Waterman, R-Shelburn; Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette; Sen. Victor Heinold, R-Kouts; Sen. Lindel Hume, D-Princeton; Sen. Robert Jackman, R-Milroy; Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake; Sen. Timothy Skinner, D-Terre Haute; Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Monticello, and House co-sponsors Rep. Steve Heim, R-Culver; Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville; Rep. Russell Stilwell, D-Boonville; Rep. Bill Davis, R-Portland; Rep. Jacqueline Walorski, R-Lakeville; and Rep. Andrew Thomas, R-Brazil. The bill was unanimously approved in the Senate and House.

 

 

-30-

 

Office of the Governor media contact: Jane Jankowski, 317/232-1622; jjankowski@gov.in.gov