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