This report from Solar Nation. See http://www.solar-nation.org/.
Funding will be an Issue for the U.S. Senate
Thousands of solar citizens sent messages to their U.S. representatives in the last few days to urge support for the House bill that would create tax credits for renewable energy.
Here's what happened:
A few minutes ago (late afternoon on 02/27/08), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax of 2008 (H.R. 5351). The final vote was 236 - 182 with 11 members of the House not voting, and was largely split along party lines.
See http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll084.xml
In a joint statement, Speaker Pelosi, House Majority Leader Hoyer and sponsor of the bill Rangel said: "The bill extends and expands tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances. It does not add to our deficit, but rather repeals $18 billion in tax subsidies for Big Oil companies."
"The bill extends and expands tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel, as well as for hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances," the Democratic leaders' statement continued. "It does not add to our deficit, but rather repeals $18 billion in tax subsidies for Big Oil companies. By strengthening our renewable energy sector, the bill will help create the next generation of good-paying, green collar jobs and bring down energy prices in the long term.”
House Democrats spoke out in favor of the bill, saying that it will help push the U.S. toward energy independence. On the other side of the aisle, House Republicans spoke out against it on the grounds that it would do nothing more than single out America's domestic oil industry with higher taxes that will hurt the economy and the pocket books of consumers.
H.R. 5351 will increase investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency and will pay for that investment by repealing unnecessary tax breaks to traditional energy companies. It is similar to the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act (H.R. 2776) that passed the House as part of a bipartisan energy package in August 2007 but was stripped in order for the package to pass in the Senate.
The Bush Administration has already issued a letter indicating that the president will veto a bill that rolls back tax breaks for the oil and gas industry, so all eyes are now on the Senate, to see whether the Finance Committee can find less objectionable sources of revenue.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
U.S. House Passes Renewable Energy Bill
STATEMENT BY RHONE RESCH WITH SEIA ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY BILL, H.R. 5351
U.S. House Hits a Home Run for Solar and Other Renewable Energy; U.S. Senate is Up to Bat
"With opening day for ballplayers only 33 days away, the U.S. House of Representatives stepped up and hit a home run for consumers by passing an energy bill that shifts our economy towards production of clean, reliable, domestic renewable energy. Citizens and business leaders across the country are calling out for change and today Congress listened. This legislation is supported by hundreds of the top U.S. corporations, utilities, environmental groups, labor, and public health groups in the U.S. These leaders, including The Home Depot, Wal-Mart Stores, Best Buy Co., Target, Florida Power and Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Physicians for Social Responsibility, National Resources Defense Council, and the United Steelworkers have come together to support passage of this historic legislation.
"The incentives in this legislation will greatly expand the use of solar energy, and we estimate solar power will provide 50 percent of all new electricity generated in the U.S. within eight years. During this growth, the solar energy industry will become an economic engine, creating tens of thousands of high-tech jobs and billions in investment throughout the nation. It will also help our country achieve national energy security and save American taxpayers billions in energy costs.
"Now, the Senate is up to bat and we are cheering in the stands. It's up to Senate leaders to step up to the plate and find a workable path to pass this important bill. They must decide if they stand with the 85 percent of Americans who want clean energy and a more secure America or if they will maintain the status quo. It’s time for the Senate to listen to business leaders and the American public and pass legislation that creates a market for solar energy in the U.S."
###See Feb. 26 Coalition Letter: http://www.seia.org/HR5351StakeholdersSupportLtr.pdf
Summary of Renewable Energy Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyTaxBillSummary2-12-08.pdf
Full Text of Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyBillText2-12-08.pdf
SEIA Press Contact: Monique Hanis 202.682.0556, ext. 4202.236.8220 cell
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and marketers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.
To see how your Member of Congress voted see:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll084.xml
The Indiana Congressional Delegation voted as follows:
Voting "YES" were: Donnelly, Ellsworth, Hill and Viscloskey.
Voting "NO" were: Buyer, Burton, Pence and Souder.
U.S. House Hits a Home Run for Solar and Other Renewable Energy; U.S. Senate is Up to Bat
"With opening day for ballplayers only 33 days away, the U.S. House of Representatives stepped up and hit a home run for consumers by passing an energy bill that shifts our economy towards production of clean, reliable, domestic renewable energy. Citizens and business leaders across the country are calling out for change and today Congress listened. This legislation is supported by hundreds of the top U.S. corporations, utilities, environmental groups, labor, and public health groups in the U.S. These leaders, including The Home Depot, Wal-Mart Stores, Best Buy Co., Target, Florida Power and Light, Pacific Gas & Electric, Physicians for Social Responsibility, National Resources Defense Council, and the United Steelworkers have come together to support passage of this historic legislation.
"The incentives in this legislation will greatly expand the use of solar energy, and we estimate solar power will provide 50 percent of all new electricity generated in the U.S. within eight years. During this growth, the solar energy industry will become an economic engine, creating tens of thousands of high-tech jobs and billions in investment throughout the nation. It will also help our country achieve national energy security and save American taxpayers billions in energy costs.
"Now, the Senate is up to bat and we are cheering in the stands. It's up to Senate leaders to step up to the plate and find a workable path to pass this important bill. They must decide if they stand with the 85 percent of Americans who want clean energy and a more secure America or if they will maintain the status quo. It’s time for the Senate to listen to business leaders and the American public and pass legislation that creates a market for solar energy in the U.S."
###See Feb. 26 Coalition Letter: http://www.seia.org/HR5351StakeholdersSupportLtr.pdf
Summary of Renewable Energy Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyTaxBillSummary2-12-08.pdf
Full Text of Bill, H.R. 5351:
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyBillText2-12-08.pdf
SEIA Press Contact: Monique Hanis 202.682.0556, ext. 4202.236.8220 cell
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is the national trade association of solar energy manufacturers, dealers, distributors, contractors, installers, architects, consultants and marketers. Established in 1974, SEIA works to expand the use of solar technologies in the global marketplace, strengthen research and development, remove market barriers, and improve education and outreach for solar.
To see how your Member of Congress voted see:
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll084.xml
The Indiana Congressional Delegation voted as follows:
Voting "YES" were: Donnelly, Ellsworth, Hill and Viscloskey.
Voting "NO" were: Buyer, Burton, Pence and Souder.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Indiana Senate Passes Renewable Electricity Standard in HB 1117 by Vote of 33 to 12
Around 2:30 pm yesterday afternoon (02/19/08) the Indiana State Senate passed HB 1117 by a vote of 33 to 12. The bill contains the weak Renewable Electricity Standards (RES) language that was originally in SB 224. Chapter 37 contains the language regarding Renewable Energy Development.
To see how your State Senator voted please see:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/Srollcal/0209.PDF.pdf
HB 1117 specifies that each Indiana electricity supplier shall supply electricity that is generated from a renewable energy resource or an advanced energy resource to Indiana retail customers as a percentage of the total electricity supplied as follows:
So what happens next? The bill returns to the House with amendments. The House author Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) has two choices: 1) file a motion to concur with the amendments added to HB 1117 in the Senate and then a roll call vote is required on the House floor or 2) file a dissent motion and request that the bill be appointed to a Conference Committee. I expect HB 1117 will go to a Conference Committee.
When a bill goes to a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, four legislators are appointed to work out the differences. Normally, there are two House members--a Democrat and a Republican usually selected from the House authors and two Senators--a Republican and a Democrat. Since the Conference Committee is for a House Bill, a House Democrat will be named to chair the Conference Committee on HB 1117. It is likely that Rep. Stilwell will be named as the Chairman of the Conference Committee. All four members of the Conference Committee must agree to further changes to the proposed legislation. After all four conferees sign a Conference Committee Report, the bill returns to both the House and the Senate for roll call votes by all members of the Indiana General Assembly. If the members of the Conference Committee cannot reach agreement, conferees may be removed by legislative leadership and they can try again.
At this point, the concept of a Renewable Electricity Standard or RES is still alive but just about anything can happen. Again, the deadline for the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly to adjourn is March 14th.
I would strongly urge that you carefully review the language in Chapter 37 on Renewable Energy Development. If you have any questions and/or concerns about what is included or excluded, I strongly urge that you convey your sentiments to Rep. Stilwell, h74@in.gov or stilwell1130@yahoo.com His phone number at the State House is (317) 232-9798 or at home in Boonville on the weekend at (812) 897-1211.
To see how your State Senator voted please see:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/Srollcal/0209.PDF.pdf
HB 1117 specifies that each Indiana electricity supplier shall supply electricity that is generated from a renewable energy resource or an advanced energy resource to Indiana retail customers as a percentage of the total electricity supplied as follows:
- 2% by 2011;
- 4% by 2016; and
- 6% by 2020.
An electricity supplier may not use an advanced energy resource to supply more than 50% of the electricity. The bill exempts municipal electric utilities as well as rural electric co-ops or REMC's.
The bill defines "renewable energy resources" as alternative sources of renewable energy, including the following:
- wind energy;
- solar energy;
- photovoltaic cells and panels;
- dedicated crops grown for energy production;
- organic waste biomass;
- hydropower from existing dams;
- fuel cells;
- energy from waste to energy facilities that produce steam that is not used for the production of electricity;
- methane systems that convert waste products including animal, food, and plant waste, into electricity;
- methane recovered from landfills or underground coal mines; and
- ocean current or wave energy.
A renewable energy resource does not include energy from the incineration, burning, or heating of the following:
- tires;
- garbage;
- general household, institutional, or commercial waste;
- industrial lunchroom or office waste.; and
- feedstock that is municipal, food, plant, industrial, or animal waste from outside Indiana.
The bill defines "advanced energy resources" as the following sources and programs for the production or conservation of electricity:
- combined heat and power systems that: (A) use natural gas or renewable energy resources as feedstock; and (B) achieve at least seventy percent (70%) overall efficiency;
- demand side management or energy efficiency programs that: (A) reduce electricity consumption; or (B) implement load management or demand response technologies that shift customers' electric load from periods of higher demand to periods of lower demand;
- waste coal;
- clean coal and energy projects (as defined in IC 8-1-8.8-2); and
- other non-carbon dioxide emitting or low carbon dioxide emitting electricity generating technologies, including integrated gasification combined cycle generation with the capability for carbon capture and sequestration through: (A) storage; or (B) enhanced oil recovery.
So what happens next? The bill returns to the House with amendments. The House author Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) has two choices: 1) file a motion to concur with the amendments added to HB 1117 in the Senate and then a roll call vote is required on the House floor or 2) file a dissent motion and request that the bill be appointed to a Conference Committee. I expect HB 1117 will go to a Conference Committee.
When a bill goes to a conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, four legislators are appointed to work out the differences. Normally, there are two House members--a Democrat and a Republican usually selected from the House authors and two Senators--a Republican and a Democrat. Since the Conference Committee is for a House Bill, a House Democrat will be named to chair the Conference Committee on HB 1117. It is likely that Rep. Stilwell will be named as the Chairman of the Conference Committee. All four members of the Conference Committee must agree to further changes to the proposed legislation. After all four conferees sign a Conference Committee Report, the bill returns to both the House and the Senate for roll call votes by all members of the Indiana General Assembly. If the members of the Conference Committee cannot reach agreement, conferees may be removed by legislative leadership and they can try again.
At this point, the concept of a Renewable Electricity Standard or RES is still alive but just about anything can happen. Again, the deadline for the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly to adjourn is March 14th.
I would strongly urge that you carefully review the language in Chapter 37 on Renewable Energy Development. If you have any questions and/or concerns about what is included or excluded, I strongly urge that you convey your sentiments to Rep. Stilwell, h74@in.gov or stilwell1130@yahoo.com His phone number at the State House is (317) 232-9798 or at home in Boonville on the weekend at (812) 897-1211.
Monday, February 18, 2008
RES in HB 1117 Moves to Third Reading in Senate; HB 1280 Heard but No Action Until Wednesday
HB 1117 with the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) language added in the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee hearing last week was handed down on second reading today on the Senate floor without further amendments. HB 1117 is now eligible for third reading or final passage in the Senate.
Testimony was taken this morning on HB 1280 addressing energy efficient public buildings, however, action on the bill has been deferred until Wednesday (02/20/08) at 5:00 pm. The Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee received testimony on the bill and it is anticipated that amendments will be considered when the committee meets again.
The bill requires a building or structure constructed, reconstructed, repaired, altered, or retrofitted under public works contracts entered into after 12/31/08, be designed with the goal of achieving the silver rating under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the Green Globes Two Globes level, or an equivalent standard under an equivalent rating system that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The public works provisions apply to any state public work, a public work by a state agency, and state institutions. The project must have a value of more than $1 million and does not apply to structures listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or structures designed solely to store commodities or other property, such as a highway salt barn. It provides that the certificaton requirement does not apply to a public works contract entered into by a school corporation.
Following an explanation of the bill by House author Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) the following individuals offered testimony in support of HB 1280: Bill Brown, Indiana Green Building Council; Andrew Berger, Association of Indiana Counties; Fred Mills, Indianapolis Power & Light; David Pilbrow, Indiana Friends Committee; Tim Maloney, Hoosier Environmental Council; Mac Williams, Architect; Janet McCabe, Improving Kids Environment; Paul Chase, Citizens Action Coalition; Lynn Dennis, the Nature Conservancy; Laura Arnold, Indiana Renewable Energy Association; and Carey Hamilton, Hoosier Sierra Club, Save the Dunes Council and the Izaak Walton League of America.
Opposition to the bill was lead by Ray Moistner, Executive Director of the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman's Association (www.ihla.org) Jack Siefert, Director of the Division of Forestry with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was asked by Committee Chair Senator Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) to provide clarifying testimony concerning classified woodlands and cetification standards for Indiana hardwood products. Several other speakers representing the Indiana lumber industry expressed concerns with the proposed bill. Vince Griffin representing the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Gretchen White representing the Indiana Builders Association both spoke against the mandate the bill proposes. Kevin Green representing Purdue University said Purdue is not opposed to green building efforts and stated "we are making voluntary efforts" now but would prefer removing the words "university shall".
Testimony was taken this morning on HB 1280 addressing energy efficient public buildings, however, action on the bill has been deferred until Wednesday (02/20/08) at 5:00 pm. The Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee received testimony on the bill and it is anticipated that amendments will be considered when the committee meets again.
The bill requires a building or structure constructed, reconstructed, repaired, altered, or retrofitted under public works contracts entered into after 12/31/08, be designed with the goal of achieving the silver rating under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, the Green Globes Two Globes level, or an equivalent standard under an equivalent rating system that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. The public works provisions apply to any state public work, a public work by a state agency, and state institutions. The project must have a value of more than $1 million and does not apply to structures listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or structures designed solely to store commodities or other property, such as a highway salt barn. It provides that the certificaton requirement does not apply to a public works contract entered into by a school corporation.
Following an explanation of the bill by House author Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) the following individuals offered testimony in support of HB 1280: Bill Brown, Indiana Green Building Council; Andrew Berger, Association of Indiana Counties; Fred Mills, Indianapolis Power & Light; David Pilbrow, Indiana Friends Committee; Tim Maloney, Hoosier Environmental Council; Mac Williams, Architect; Janet McCabe, Improving Kids Environment; Paul Chase, Citizens Action Coalition; Lynn Dennis, the Nature Conservancy; Laura Arnold, Indiana Renewable Energy Association; and Carey Hamilton, Hoosier Sierra Club, Save the Dunes Council and the Izaak Walton League of America.
Opposition to the bill was lead by Ray Moistner, Executive Director of the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman's Association (www.ihla.org) Jack Siefert, Director of the Division of Forestry with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources was asked by Committee Chair Senator Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) to provide clarifying testimony concerning classified woodlands and cetification standards for Indiana hardwood products. Several other speakers representing the Indiana lumber industry expressed concerns with the proposed bill. Vince Griffin representing the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Gretchen White representing the Indiana Builders Association both spoke against the mandate the bill proposes. Kevin Green representing Purdue University said Purdue is not opposed to green building efforts and stated "we are making voluntary efforts" now but would prefer removing the words "university shall".
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"Alive... It's alive!..... IT'S ALIVE!!" RES that is!
This morning (02/14/08) in a narrow 6-5 vote in the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee, HB 1117 was amended with a strip and insert amendment. The amendment removed the provisions added by Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington) that provided a tax credit for purchases from an Indiana business of certain equipment used to produce energy derived from the use of wind or from the use of anaerobic digesters. HB 1117 Amendment #2 then adds the contents of SB 224 as reprinted January 29, 2008.
Sen. Hershman explained that basically HB 1117 contained the same language as SB 223 and SB 223 was just voted out of the House Commerce Energy and Utilities Committee earlier that morning. He also noted that thus far SB 224 had not been scheduled for a committee hearing in the House; therefore, he was amending HB 1117 and indicated this was the “last gasp for RES” this session. RES refers to legislation to establish a Renewable Electricity Standard that died earlier in the session in the House.
Brief testimony was taken on the amended version of the bill. Jewell DuBonis with Lewis & Kappes representing the Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers (INDIEC) stated they were against the trackers in the amendment but they had “no position on the renewables language”.
Paul Chase representing the Citizens Action Coalition (CAC) stated “We are in opposition to the amendment. We oppose the whole thing. This is an improper approach to RES. With the low standards for RES, it is basically business as usual.” Chase added that the trackers in the amendment are unnecessary and they will add a tremendous additional cost to consumers.
Committee Chairman Sen. Hershman asked Chase to speculate about the future of the bill and suggested that when HB 1117 returns to the House it would likely go to a Conference Committee. Chase responded by saying that the amendment did not do enough to kick start the renewable market. Sen. Hershman then suggested “CAC does not want to continue the RES discussion?” Chase responded by saying, “It’s not about coal. We shouldn’t have to swallow coal.”
Terrence Black with Green Way Supply and a Founding Member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association said that his company recently received 162 wind energy generation inquiries with half farmers and business owners. Black simply asked the committee to support alternative energy generation.
Tim Maloney representing the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) stated “HEC wants to see a clean RES proposal.”
Ed Simcox representing the Indiana Energy Association whose members are the investor-owned utility companies made reference to renewables language in the last session that was more ambitious. Simcox portrayed wind as a supplement but not as a replacement for coal-fired generation. He referred to solar as “off the charts” as compared to the price of existing base load coal-fired electricity generation. He concluded that the meager 6% goal in the amendment of which 3% can be met with coal technology as a “reasonable start to get Indiana in the game given what other states are doing.”
In conclusion before the committee voted, Sen. Hershman said of HB 1117, “It will be subject to negotiation but there will be no negotiation if there is no bill.”
Two roll call votes were taken; first on the amendment itself and then on the bill as amended, however, the votes and the outcome were the same. With a vote of 6 to 5, HB 1117 now moves on to second reading on the Senate floor.
The vote tally was as follows:
Voting “NO” were Senators Errington, Breaux, Rogers, Tallian, and Landske.
Voting “YES” were Senators Mishler, Gard, Charbonneau, Kruse, Merritt and Hershman.
For an amended version of the bill see: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/EH/EH1117.1.pdf
Dr. Frankenstein said: "Alive... It's alive!..... IT'S ALIVE!!"
Sen. Hershman explained that basically HB 1117 contained the same language as SB 223 and SB 223 was just voted out of the House Commerce Energy and Utilities Committee earlier that morning. He also noted that thus far SB 224 had not been scheduled for a committee hearing in the House; therefore, he was amending HB 1117 and indicated this was the “last gasp for RES” this session. RES refers to legislation to establish a Renewable Electricity Standard that died earlier in the session in the House.
Brief testimony was taken on the amended version of the bill. Jewell DuBonis with Lewis & Kappes representing the Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers (INDIEC) stated they were against the trackers in the amendment but they had “no position on the renewables language”.
Paul Chase representing the Citizens Action Coalition (CAC) stated “We are in opposition to the amendment. We oppose the whole thing. This is an improper approach to RES. With the low standards for RES, it is basically business as usual.” Chase added that the trackers in the amendment are unnecessary and they will add a tremendous additional cost to consumers.
Committee Chairman Sen. Hershman asked Chase to speculate about the future of the bill and suggested that when HB 1117 returns to the House it would likely go to a Conference Committee. Chase responded by saying that the amendment did not do enough to kick start the renewable market. Sen. Hershman then suggested “CAC does not want to continue the RES discussion?” Chase responded by saying, “It’s not about coal. We shouldn’t have to swallow coal.”
Terrence Black with Green Way Supply and a Founding Member of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association said that his company recently received 162 wind energy generation inquiries with half farmers and business owners. Black simply asked the committee to support alternative energy generation.
Tim Maloney representing the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) stated “HEC wants to see a clean RES proposal.”
Ed Simcox representing the Indiana Energy Association whose members are the investor-owned utility companies made reference to renewables language in the last session that was more ambitious. Simcox portrayed wind as a supplement but not as a replacement for coal-fired generation. He referred to solar as “off the charts” as compared to the price of existing base load coal-fired electricity generation. He concluded that the meager 6% goal in the amendment of which 3% can be met with coal technology as a “reasonable start to get Indiana in the game given what other states are doing.”
In conclusion before the committee voted, Sen. Hershman said of HB 1117, “It will be subject to negotiation but there will be no negotiation if there is no bill.”
Two roll call votes were taken; first on the amendment itself and then on the bill as amended, however, the votes and the outcome were the same. With a vote of 6 to 5, HB 1117 now moves on to second reading on the Senate floor.
The vote tally was as follows:
Voting “NO” were Senators Errington, Breaux, Rogers, Tallian, and Landske.
Voting “YES” were Senators Mishler, Gard, Charbonneau, Kruse, Merritt and Hershman.
For an amended version of the bill see: http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2008/PDF/EH/EH1117.1.pdf
Dr. Frankenstein said: "Alive... It's alive!..... IT'S ALIVE!!"
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
HB 1280 to Require Energy Efficient Buildings Scheduled for Committee Hearing on Feb. 18 at 10 AM
AGENDA FOR: Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs
MEETING: Monday, February 18, 10:00 AM, Room # 233 State House, Indianapolis
CHAIR: Senator Gard
MEMBERS:
Riegsecker R.M., Bray, Dillon, Drozda, Hershman, Miller,
Hume R.M.M., Errington, Lanane, Tallian
AGENDA:
HB 1185 Indoor air quality
HB 1280 Energy efficient buildings
See previous posts for details and information on how to e-mail committee members.
MEETING: Monday, February 18, 10:00 AM, Room # 233 State House, Indianapolis
CHAIR: Senator Gard
MEMBERS:
Riegsecker R.M., Bray, Dillon, Drozda, Hershman, Miller,
Hume R.M.M., Errington, Lanane, Tallian
AGENDA:
HB 1185 Indoor air quality
HB 1280 Energy efficient buildings
See previous posts for details and information on how to e-mail committee members.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
HB 1117 Scheduled for Hearing Feb. 14th at 10 AM in Room 233 State House
The Senate Bulletin posted today lists HB 1117 for a committee hearing as follows:
Agenda for : Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs
Thursday, February 14, 10:00 AM, Room # 233 State House
Hershman, Chairman
Members : Mishler R.M., Gard, Charbonneau, Kruse, Landske, Merritt,
Errington R.M.M., Breaux, Rogers, Tallian
Hearings:
HB 1159 211 services. Rep. Welch-- Sens. Merritt & Broden
HB 1117 Coal gasification and substitute natural gas. Rep. Stilwell-- Sens. Hershman & R. Young
HB 1117 as it passed the House now includes a 10% state income tax credit for wind and anaerobic digesters. This language was added to the bill on second reading by Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington). It is not clear whether or not this language will remain in the bill or not.
For more details, see previous posts on this blog.
Agenda for : Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs
Thursday, February 14, 10:00 AM, Room # 233 State House
Hershman, Chairman
Members : Mishler R.M., Gard, Charbonneau, Kruse, Landske, Merritt,
Errington R.M.M., Breaux, Rogers, Tallian
Hearings:
HB 1159 211 services. Rep. Welch-- Sens. Merritt & Broden
HB 1117 Coal gasification and substitute natural gas. Rep. Stilwell-- Sens. Hershman & R. Young
HB 1117 as it passed the House now includes a 10% state income tax credit for wind and anaerobic digesters. This language was added to the bill on second reading by Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington). It is not clear whether or not this language will remain in the bill or not.
For more details, see previous posts on this blog.
Monday, February 11, 2008
No Hearings Yet for SB 224, HB 1117, HB 1090 or HB 1280
We have entered the second week of the second half of the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Late this afternoon committee schedules for both the House and the Senate were posted but none of the bills we are following have been scheduled for committee hearings thus far this week.
Today, SB 224 was finally assigned to the House Commerce, Energy and Utilities Committee. SB 224 contains a weak Renewable Electricity Standard provision but contains other language that utility consumer advocates and environmentalists are opposing. See Bad Bills (Still Alive) http://www.citact.org/newsite/. SB 224 is not listed on the agenda for the committee hearing 02/14/08 which leaves only next week for a committee hearing.
HB 1117 addresses coal gasification and substitute natural gas as well as creating a 10% state income tax credits for wind and anaerobic digesters. HB 1090 requires the state of Indiana to become a member of and participate in the climate registry concerning greenhouse gas emissions reporting and reduction. Neither bill is scheduled for a hearing this week before the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
HB 1280 addressing energy efficient buildings has been assigned to the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee but it has also not been scheduled for a committee hearing yet.
To remain viable for the 2008 session bills must receive a committee hearing in the second house by next Thursday, February 21, 2008.
Today, SB 224 was finally assigned to the House Commerce, Energy and Utilities Committee. SB 224 contains a weak Renewable Electricity Standard provision but contains other language that utility consumer advocates and environmentalists are opposing. See Bad Bills (Still Alive) http://www.citact.org/newsite/. SB 224 is not listed on the agenda for the committee hearing 02/14/08 which leaves only next week for a committee hearing.
HB 1117 addresses coal gasification and substitute natural gas as well as creating a 10% state income tax credits for wind and anaerobic digesters. HB 1090 requires the state of Indiana to become a member of and participate in the climate registry concerning greenhouse gas emissions reporting and reduction. Neither bill is scheduled for a hearing this week before the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
HB 1280 addressing energy efficient buildings has been assigned to the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee but it has also not been scheduled for a committee hearing yet.
To remain viable for the 2008 session bills must receive a committee hearing in the second house by next Thursday, February 21, 2008.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
HB 1280, HB 1090 & HB 1117 Await Hearings in Senate--REVISED
The 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly passed the mid-point last week. State legislation introduced in the Indiana House that passed third reading now moves to the Indiana Senate. House bills must now receive a Senate committee hearing within the next three weeks and third reading by the end of February. The pace of the session will increase as state lawmakers approach their March 14th deadline for adjournment.
HB 1117 addresses coal gasification and substitute natural gas as well as creating a 10% state income tax credits for wind and anaerobic digesters. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Brendt Hershamn (R-Monticello) and Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown). HB 1117 has been assigned to the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
HB 1090 requires the state of Indiana to become a member of and participate in the climate registry concerning greenhouse gas emissions reporting and reduction. The Senate Sponsor is Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) and this bill has also been assigned to the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
Please convey your support for HB 1117 and HB 1090 to the members of the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee listed below:
HB 1117 addresses coal gasification and substitute natural gas as well as creating a 10% state income tax credits for wind and anaerobic digesters. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Brendt Hershamn (R-Monticello) and Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown). HB 1117 has been assigned to the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
HB 1090 requires the state of Indiana to become a member of and participate in the climate registry concerning greenhouse gas emissions reporting and reduction. The Senate Sponsor is Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield) and this bill has also been assigned to the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee.
Please convey your support for HB 1117 and HB 1090 to the members of the Senate Utilities & Regulatory Affairs Committee listed below:
- Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello), CHAIRMAN
s7@in.gov
Counties: Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe, White - Sen. Ryan Douglas Mishler (R-Bremen), RANKING MEMBER
s9@in.gov
Counties: Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall, St. Joseph - Sen. Edward E. Charbonneau (R-Valporaiso)
s5@in.gov
Counties: Jasper, LaPorte, Marshall, Porter, Pulaski, St. Joseph, Starke - Sen. Beverly J. Gard (R-Greenfield)
s28@in.gov
Counties: Hamilton, Hancock, Henry - Sen. Dennis K. Kruse (R-Auburn)
s14@in.gov
Counties: Allen, DeKalb, Steuben - Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake)
s6@in.gov
Counties: Benton, Lake, Newton, Porter - Sen. James W. Merritt, Jr. (R-Indianapolis)
s31@in.gov
Counties: Marion - Sen. Sue Errington (D-Muncie), RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
s26@in.gov
Counties: Delaware, Madison - Sen. Jean D. Breaux (D-Indianapolis)
s34@in.gov
Counties: Marion - Sen. Earline S. Rogers (D-Gary)
s3@in.gov
Counties: Lake - Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage)
s4@in.gov
Counties: Lake, Porter
HB 1280 addressing energy efficient buildings is sponsored by Sen. Brendt Hershman (R-Monticello), Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington) and Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis). HB 1280 has been assigned to the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee.
- Sen. Beverly J. Gard (R-Greenfield), CHAIRMAN
s28@in.gov
Counties: Hamilton, Hancock, Henry
- Sen. Marvin D. Riegsecker (R-Goshen), RANKING MEMBER
s12@in.gov
Counties: Elkhart - Sen. Richard Bray (R-Martinsville)
s37@in.gov
Counties: Clay, Johnson, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Putnam - Sen. Gary P. Dillion, MD (R-Columbia City)
s17@in.gov
Counties: Allen, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, Wabash, Whitley - Sen. Jeff Drozda (R-Westfield)
s21@in.gov
Counties: Boone, Hamilton, Howard, Tipton - Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello)
s7@in.gov
Counties: Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe, White - Sen. Patricia L. Miller (R-Indianapolis)s32@in.govCounties: Johnson, Marion
- Sen. Lindell Hume (D-Princeton)
s48@in.gov
Counties: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Orange, Pike - Sen. Sue Errington (D-Muncie)
s26@in.gov
Counties: Delaware, Madison - Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson)
s25@in.gov
Counties: Madison - Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage)
s4@in.gov
Counties: Lake, Porter
What this blog for when a committee hearing is scheduled on these two bills.
To find out who represents you at the State House, please click the link Who's Your Legislator?
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