From the Indiana House of Representatives
Media Office
Democratic Caucus
John Schorg, Director
Statehouse, Room 157
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
1-800-382-9842 or 1-317-232-9621
Fax Number: 1-317-232-9792
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 12, 2009
GOVERNOR’S VETO REJECTS GOOD PUBLIC POLICY
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mitch Daniels vetoed House Enrolled Act 1348 (HEA 1348) Tuesday. He wrote in a media advisory that the bill “does constitute good policy”, but “it is completely superfluous.” The bill’s author, State Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend), plans to seek an override of the veto.
The bill would require Indiana to update its energy efficiency codes for the construction of new commercial buildings. The existing energy efficiency code is nearly two decades old and fails to account for the latest in cost-saving features that are used in other states. “The updated code required by House Enrolled Act 1348 will not only cut energy consumption,” Dvorak said, “but also create jobs in the building trades and reduce overhead costs for Indiana businesses.”
Dvorak responded to the governor’s statement by saying that this bill is necessary when Indiana trails so far behind the rest of the nation in implementing energy conservation standards.
“Gov. Daniels said he has already begun the process of updating the state energy code,” Dvorak added. “However, the Governor’s efforts only began after the Legislature held hearings on Indiana’s lack of progress on the issue. As a result of those hearings, I filed legislation to require the state to act. Indiana has initiated this process in the past, but never followed through with changes. HEA 1348 would ensure that this time Indiana will complete its work by July 1, 2010.
“I am absolutely baffled by Gov. Daniels’ veto,” continued Dvorak. “We worked with his administration to incorporate their suggested changes to the bill’s language and never once did they testify in opposition to the legislation, much less threaten the veto of it. I will seek an override of Gov. Daniels’ veto to ensure these much needed changes finally occur.”
The final version of the bill passed the House by a vote of 91-0 and the Senate by a 47-2 margin.
Click here to read the Governor's Veto Message.
Click Here for more information on HB 1348.
Showing posts with label 2009 Indiana General Assembly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009 Indiana General Assembly. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Will failure to pass state RES adversely affect efforts to attract renewable energy manufacturing investment in Indiana?
Dear Blog readers,
I received this as an e-mail follow-up to a telephone conversation I had earlier today with Doug Ahlfeld as I reported to him the progress of renewable energy legislation still pending during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Many renewable energy advocates believe that we can and will get a better Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) passed by the U.S. Congress than the Indiana General Assembly. If we do not pass a state RES again it may have a negative impact on economic development efforts to recruit renewable energy industry investment in our state. We are hearing that those who make such business investment decisions want to see a committment to the renewable energy industry from the State of Indiana. Not only that but it may send the wrong signal to Sen. Evan Bayh as he prepares to vote on a federal RES as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The committee vote on a federal RES is expected THIS WEEK.
Yes, the wind farms may continue to be developed within our state because we have the wind resources but some of that wind generated electricity may be transmitted to other states to help utilities meet RES requirements in other states. But what about the opportunities for renewable energy manufacturing investments here in Indiana? What are your thoughts?
Laura,
The Northeast Indiana Partnership, http://www.chooseneindiana.com. who serves an 11 county area of local economic development organizations, along with the Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition and Indiana & Michigan Power held a very successful wind energy supply chain workshop at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne this past week. Nearly 300 attendees learned of the potential for building components as the automotive industry continues to diminish area business. At least 60% of the attendees were in an automotive related business.
One of the outcomes from this workshop was the possibility of turbine manufacturers moving to the Northeast Indiana area to take advantage of our manufacturing capacity. I met personally with Mayor Henry, who would welcome such a diversity in manufacturing to this area. However, one of the drawbacks we hear from turbine manufacturers moving to Indiana is the lack of a consistent policy on wind. They want to move to a State who has a favorable policy which will promote their business. I know of two companies who are actively looking at Indiana. As I travel to Chicago next week for the National Wind Conference with some of the Northeast Indiana Partnership officiers, it would be a great advantage to us in our discussions with these turbine manufacturers to have that policy in hand before the legislation closes.
The number of jobs which could come to our area ranges from construction, to service, to manufacturing, to large truck hauling and all the other related businesses with new manufacturing. This would certainly be a vital link to bring a change in direction to our area economy.
I wish you well with your efforts in bringing jobs and wind to Indiana,
Doug Ahlfeld
Board of Directors, Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition
Education Committee of the Indiana Wind Energy Workgroup
Office 260-693-9380
FAX 260-693-0797
Cell 260-437-1478
I received this as an e-mail follow-up to a telephone conversation I had earlier today with Doug Ahlfeld as I reported to him the progress of renewable energy legislation still pending during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Many renewable energy advocates believe that we can and will get a better Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) passed by the U.S. Congress than the Indiana General Assembly. If we do not pass a state RES again it may have a negative impact on economic development efforts to recruit renewable energy industry investment in our state. We are hearing that those who make such business investment decisions want to see a committment to the renewable energy industry from the State of Indiana. Not only that but it may send the wrong signal to Sen. Evan Bayh as he prepares to vote on a federal RES as a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The committee vote on a federal RES is expected THIS WEEK.
Yes, the wind farms may continue to be developed within our state because we have the wind resources but some of that wind generated electricity may be transmitted to other states to help utilities meet RES requirements in other states. But what about the opportunities for renewable energy manufacturing investments here in Indiana? What are your thoughts?
Laura,
The Northeast Indiana Partnership, http://www.chooseneindiana.com. who serves an 11 county area of local economic development organizations, along with the Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition and Indiana & Michigan Power held a very successful wind energy supply chain workshop at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne this past week. Nearly 300 attendees learned of the potential for building components as the automotive industry continues to diminish area business. At least 60% of the attendees were in an automotive related business.
One of the outcomes from this workshop was the possibility of turbine manufacturers moving to the Northeast Indiana area to take advantage of our manufacturing capacity. I met personally with Mayor Henry, who would welcome such a diversity in manufacturing to this area. However, one of the drawbacks we hear from turbine manufacturers moving to Indiana is the lack of a consistent policy on wind. They want to move to a State who has a favorable policy which will promote their business. I know of two companies who are actively looking at Indiana. As I travel to Chicago next week for the National Wind Conference with some of the Northeast Indiana Partnership officiers, it would be a great advantage to us in our discussions with these turbine manufacturers to have that policy in hand before the legislation closes.
The number of jobs which could come to our area ranges from construction, to service, to manufacturing, to large truck hauling and all the other related businesses with new manufacturing. This would certainly be a vital link to bring a change in direction to our area economy.
I wish you well with your efforts in bringing jobs and wind to Indiana,
Doug Ahlfeld
Board of Directors, Northeast Indiana Green Build Coalition
Education Committee of the Indiana Wind Energy Workgroup
Office 260-693-9380
FAX 260-693-0797
Cell 260-437-1478
Friday, April 17, 2009
Two Different Renewable Energy Bills Pass Indiana House
The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) provided this update on the renewable energy bills still pending before the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Now that both SB 420 and SB 300 passed the Indiana House, these bills return to their Senate authors, Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello) and Sen. James Merritt (R-Indianapolis) for further deliberations before the session ends at the end of April. Both Senators are likely to return the language of their bills back closer to the way they passed the Indiana State Senate earlier this year. Neogotiations will begin next week after Dissent Motions are filed and conference committee members are appointed. Watch this blog for updates!
House Passes First Comprehensive Green Jobs Bill, Thanks to Your Efforts. Your Help Needed in the Final Stretch!
In a bi-partisan fashion, Indiana's House of Representatives passed the first comprehensive green jobs bill in Indiana`s history. However, ultimate victory is not yet ours! House and Senate negotiations now take place on two different versions of SB 300.
The House version of SB 300, which HEC strongly advanced, would require that 15% of Indiana`s electricity come from wind, biomass and solar (not coal) by 2025 and would enable, in unprecedented ways, Hoosiers to produce more affordable clean, renewable energy at their homes and businesses.
SB 420, a competing renewables bill re-defines so-called "clean coal" as renewable energy, also passed the House. These bills will now go to conference committee.
Please continue your support in these last weeks of the legislative session by contacting the expected members of the conference committee and encouraging them to support SB 300, the HEC supported Green Jobs Development Act and oppose SB 420.
For a comparison of these two dramatically different energy visions, see HEC's policy brief. Conference committee member information can be found here. (This is the list of likely conferees since conferees have not been named yet.)
Click here to see the Roll Call on SB 300. 51 House Democrats voting "Yes", 11 House Republicans Voting "Yes", 37 House Republicans Voting "No" and the Speaker "not voting".
Click here to see the Roll Call on SB 420. 93 House Democrats and Republicans voting "Yes", 3 House Democrats voting "No", and 4 including the Speaker "not voting".
House Passes First Comprehensive Green Jobs Bill, Thanks to Your Efforts. Your Help Needed in the Final Stretch!
In a bi-partisan fashion, Indiana's House of Representatives passed the first comprehensive green jobs bill in Indiana`s history. However, ultimate victory is not yet ours! House and Senate negotiations now take place on two different versions of SB 300.
The House version of SB 300, which HEC strongly advanced, would require that 15% of Indiana`s electricity come from wind, biomass and solar (not coal) by 2025 and would enable, in unprecedented ways, Hoosiers to produce more affordable clean, renewable energy at their homes and businesses.
SB 420, a competing renewables bill re-defines so-called "clean coal" as renewable energy, also passed the House. These bills will now go to conference committee.
Please continue your support in these last weeks of the legislative session by contacting the expected members of the conference committee and encouraging them to support SB 300, the HEC supported Green Jobs Development Act and oppose SB 420.
For a comparison of these two dramatically different energy visions, see HEC's policy brief. Conference committee member information can be found here. (This is the list of likely conferees since conferees have not been named yet.)
Click here to see the Roll Call on SB 300. 51 House Democrats voting "Yes", 11 House Republicans Voting "Yes", 37 House Republicans Voting "No" and the Speaker "not voting".
Click here to see the Roll Call on SB 420. 93 House Democrats and Republicans voting "Yes", 3 House Democrats voting "No", and 4 including the Speaker "not voting".
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
ALL UTILITY CUSTOMERS NEED RENEWABLE ENERGY INCENTIVES
Indiana renewable energy businesses are encouraged that state lawmakers are addressing incentives to promote renewable energy usage. Two bills moving through the Indiana General Assembly will revise and improve the rules to allow consumers to net meter and provide needed tax incentives.
When consumers install a wind turbine or solar energy system to reduce their electric bill, they need their electric utility to credit them for any excess power they generate or net meter. Allowing a customer’s meter to run backwards or net metering is an important policy to promote distributed generation. Wide adoption of renewable distributed generation will help to clean the air, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and support economic growth. Currently in Indiana only residential customers and K-12 schools are allowed to net meter.
The 2008 Edition of Freeing the Grid, a national report on the status of net metering across the Unites States identifies Indiana among the worst in the U.S. The report states that in Indiana “businesses and other commercial or industrial customers are excluded from net metering. Indiana is now the only state in the nation with this limitation.”
“Not requiring utilities to net meter business and industrial customers is counter productive and just crazy,” said Terry Black, Co-owner of Green Way Supply in Indianapolis. “Why are we are the only state that does not have this incentive to attract new industry?” Duke Energy exceeds the rules established by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and does allow small commercial customers but the other Investor Owned Utilities do not permit net metering for businesses.
“Both proposed net metering laws need further improvement,” said Eric Cotton with ECI Wind and Solar in Fairmount. “Neither net metering bill applies to the REMC’s. 22 other states require net metering for rural electric cooperatives.”
“Not including Indiana’s REMC’s in net metering is a travesty for rural Hoosiers,” says Eric Cotton. “Some of the best opportunities for renewable energy are small wind turbines for farmers. Not including REMC’s creates a disincentive for renewable energy systems in rural areas. For an agricultural state like Indiana this just doesn’t make sense.”
SB 300 and HB 1347, if enacted by the Indiana General Assembly would change the net metering rules to permit all customer classes to net meter including business and industrial customers. The bills do differ in the maximum system size for net metering. SB 300 would permit systems up to 100 kW but HB 1347 would allow for systems up to 1 MW. Currently state rules only permit net metering for systems up to 10 kW.
The past two federal Economic Stimulus bills provide incentives for businesses to install solar and renewable energy systems, a 30% investment tax credit or grants covering 30% of the costs of a system. HB 1347 was amended in the Indiana House of Representatives to add a 15% tax credit for renewable energy manufacturing and a 10% tax credit for businesses investing in renewable energy systems.
“Federal incentives encourage long term investment in clean energy technologies, they help reduce operating costs in businesses willing to invest in them and they will improve our air quality which right now stinks,” added Terry Black. “Congress has taken action and now Indiana needs to do the same.”
Green Way Supply and ECI Wind and Solar are both founding members of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association formed last year. For more information about these companies and other Indiana renewable energy companies see www.indianarenew.org.
When consumers install a wind turbine or solar energy system to reduce their electric bill, they need their electric utility to credit them for any excess power they generate or net meter. Allowing a customer’s meter to run backwards or net metering is an important policy to promote distributed generation. Wide adoption of renewable distributed generation will help to clean the air, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and support economic growth. Currently in Indiana only residential customers and K-12 schools are allowed to net meter.
The 2008 Edition of Freeing the Grid, a national report on the status of net metering across the Unites States identifies Indiana among the worst in the U.S. The report states that in Indiana “businesses and other commercial or industrial customers are excluded from net metering. Indiana is now the only state in the nation with this limitation.”
“Not requiring utilities to net meter business and industrial customers is counter productive and just crazy,” said Terry Black, Co-owner of Green Way Supply in Indianapolis. “Why are we are the only state that does not have this incentive to attract new industry?” Duke Energy exceeds the rules established by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and does allow small commercial customers but the other Investor Owned Utilities do not permit net metering for businesses.
“Both proposed net metering laws need further improvement,” said Eric Cotton with ECI Wind and Solar in Fairmount. “Neither net metering bill applies to the REMC’s. 22 other states require net metering for rural electric cooperatives.”
“Not including Indiana’s REMC’s in net metering is a travesty for rural Hoosiers,” says Eric Cotton. “Some of the best opportunities for renewable energy are small wind turbines for farmers. Not including REMC’s creates a disincentive for renewable energy systems in rural areas. For an agricultural state like Indiana this just doesn’t make sense.”
SB 300 and HB 1347, if enacted by the Indiana General Assembly would change the net metering rules to permit all customer classes to net meter including business and industrial customers. The bills do differ in the maximum system size for net metering. SB 300 would permit systems up to 100 kW but HB 1347 would allow for systems up to 1 MW. Currently state rules only permit net metering for systems up to 10 kW.
The past two federal Economic Stimulus bills provide incentives for businesses to install solar and renewable energy systems, a 30% investment tax credit or grants covering 30% of the costs of a system. HB 1347 was amended in the Indiana House of Representatives to add a 15% tax credit for renewable energy manufacturing and a 10% tax credit for businesses investing in renewable energy systems.
“Federal incentives encourage long term investment in clean energy technologies, they help reduce operating costs in businesses willing to invest in them and they will improve our air quality which right now stinks,” added Terry Black. “Congress has taken action and now Indiana needs to do the same.”
Green Way Supply and ECI Wind and Solar are both founding members of the Indiana Renewable Energy Association formed last year. For more information about these companies and other Indiana renewable energy companies see www.indianarenew.org.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Renewable Energy Bills to be Heard in Indiana House on Feb. 10th
Please read these bills carefully and contact your state legislator if they are a member of this committee BEFORE the committee hearing.
Check this website around 2:30 or 3:00 pm to watch the hearing on-line. http://www.in.gov/legislative/session/video.html
AGENDA FOR: House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities
MEETING: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, House Chamber, Upon Adjournment
CHAIR: Representative Moses Jr.
VICE CHAIR: Pierce
MEMBERS: Battles, Blanton, Dvorak, Reske, Stevenson.
Lutz R.M.M., Behning, Frizzell, Koch, Soliday.
AGENDA:
HB 1305 Renewable energy. (Grubb) Renewable Electricity Standard (RES)
HB 1360 Alternative energy incentives for REMCs. (Battles)
HB 1438 Renewable energy investment tax credit. (Grubb)
Check this website around 2:30 or 3:00 pm to watch the hearing on-line. http://www.in.gov/legislative/session/video.html
AGENDA FOR: House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities
MEETING: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, House Chamber, Upon Adjournment
CHAIR: Representative Moses Jr.
VICE CHAIR: Pierce
MEMBERS: Battles, Blanton, Dvorak, Reske, Stevenson.
Lutz R.M.M., Behning, Frizzell, Koch, Soliday.
AGENDA:
HB 1305 Renewable energy. (Grubb) Renewable Electricity Standard (RES)
HB 1360 Alternative energy incentives for REMCs. (Battles)
HB 1438 Renewable energy investment tax credit. (Grubb)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
HEC & Indiana Businesses Push for Green Jobs Development Act
HOOSIER ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL & INDIANA BUSINESSES PUSH FOR ‘GREEN JOBS DEVELOPMENT ACT’
(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) today (1/26/09) pushed for the passage of the “Green Jobs Development Act,” legislation that could help jumpstart Indiana’s economy.
HEC, the state’s largest environmental policy alliance, is working to educate the public and the Indiana General Assembly about the economic benefits of the Act, which is made up of HB 1349, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend), and SB 283, sponsored by Sens. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and Sue Errington (D-Muncie).
“Indiana needs a package of carefully designed policy initiatives to encourage investment and job growth,” said Jesse Kharbanda, HEC’s executive director. “This legislation not only meets that need, it also improves the quality of our environment.”
The Green Jobs Development Act would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) that requires utilities have a portion of the electricity they sell come from renewable energy sources within the state. It also would ensure Indiana receives at least 20 percent of its energy from renewable or energy-efficient resources by 2020.
These initiatives would lead to new Hoosier jobs through new investments by renewable and clean electricity companies. According to a 2008 manufacturing report by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, more than 1,300 Hoosier manufacturing businesses could be re-tooled to produce renewable energy components, giving Indiana the second highest potential in the country for such jobs.
Even more positions stand to be created through the re-tooling of existing businesses to produce renewable energy components, as well as through maintaining, installing and marketing clean energy technologies.
“Indiana is the only state in the Upper Midwest without an RES, and we’re losing out to significant national investment as a result,” said Tom Kanczuzewski, president of Inovateus Solar, a distributor of solar thin film in South Bend. “At a time when our state is facing incredible challenges, the Green Jobs Development Act will go a long way toward spurring job growth and rebuilding our economy.”
“Net metering” – where consumers and businesses are able to generate their own electricity and roll their meters back when they return any excess power to the electric grid – is also included in the Green Jobs Development Act.
“Adopting the Green Jobs Development Act will create jobs, help moderate Indiana’s energy prices, and attract ‘green technology’ and investment to our state,” said Brad Morton, president of Evansville’s Morton Energy, which markets and sells alternative energy technologies. “Nearly everyone – from businesses and homeowners to investors and farmers – stands to gain from this legislation.”
“Improving the quality of our environment and improving our state’s business climate don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Kharbanda. “We look forward to sharing this message with our state’s legislature in the coming months, and working with them and our supporters to move our initiatives forward.”
To learn more about the HEC and its legislative agenda for 2009, please go to www.hecweb.org.
For more information contact:
Jesse Kharbanda, Executive Director, HEC, 317.685.8800 ext. 103
jkharbanda@hecweb.org
(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) today (1/26/09) pushed for the passage of the “Green Jobs Development Act,” legislation that could help jumpstart Indiana’s economy.
HEC, the state’s largest environmental policy alliance, is working to educate the public and the Indiana General Assembly about the economic benefits of the Act, which is made up of HB 1349, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Dvorak (D-South Bend), and SB 283, sponsored by Sens. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) and Sue Errington (D-Muncie).
“Indiana needs a package of carefully designed policy initiatives to encourage investment and job growth,” said Jesse Kharbanda, HEC’s executive director. “This legislation not only meets that need, it also improves the quality of our environment.”
The Green Jobs Development Act would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) that requires utilities have a portion of the electricity they sell come from renewable energy sources within the state. It also would ensure Indiana receives at least 20 percent of its energy from renewable or energy-efficient resources by 2020.
These initiatives would lead to new Hoosier jobs through new investments by renewable and clean electricity companies. According to a 2008 manufacturing report by the Renewable Energy Policy Project, more than 1,300 Hoosier manufacturing businesses could be re-tooled to produce renewable energy components, giving Indiana the second highest potential in the country for such jobs.
Even more positions stand to be created through the re-tooling of existing businesses to produce renewable energy components, as well as through maintaining, installing and marketing clean energy technologies.
“Indiana is the only state in the Upper Midwest without an RES, and we’re losing out to significant national investment as a result,” said Tom Kanczuzewski, president of Inovateus Solar, a distributor of solar thin film in South Bend. “At a time when our state is facing incredible challenges, the Green Jobs Development Act will go a long way toward spurring job growth and rebuilding our economy.”
“Net metering” – where consumers and businesses are able to generate their own electricity and roll their meters back when they return any excess power to the electric grid – is also included in the Green Jobs Development Act.
“Adopting the Green Jobs Development Act will create jobs, help moderate Indiana’s energy prices, and attract ‘green technology’ and investment to our state,” said Brad Morton, president of Evansville’s Morton Energy, which markets and sells alternative energy technologies. “Nearly everyone – from businesses and homeowners to investors and farmers – stands to gain from this legislation.”
“Improving the quality of our environment and improving our state’s business climate don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Kharbanda. “We look forward to sharing this message with our state’s legislature in the coming months, and working with them and our supporters to move our initiatives forward.”
To learn more about the HEC and its legislative agenda for 2009, please go to www.hecweb.org.
For more information contact:
Jesse Kharbanda, Executive Director, HEC, 317.685.8800 ext. 103
jkharbanda@hecweb.org
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Rep. Matt Pierce Introduces Feed Law
Indiana Representative Pierce Introduces Feed Law Bill
January 16, 2009
By Paul Gipe , pgipe@igc.org
Representative Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) has introduced HB 1622, the Advanced Renewable Energy Tariffs Act, into the Indiana General Assembly. The bill received first reading January 16, 2009 and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities. Representative Pierce is Vice Chair of the committee.
The Midwest has become a hot bed of activity around feed-in tariffs since the introduction of HB 5218, the Michigan Renewable Energy Sources Act, in the fall of 2007 by Representative Kathleen Law.
Following a presentation by Representative Law to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in early 2008, bills were introduced into the Illinois and the Minnesota state assemblies. Representative David Bly has announced that he plans to reintroduce his bill into Minnesota's new legislative session. Illinois representatives have been preoccupied with the impeachment of Governor Blagojevich and it is uncertain whether the Illinois bill will be reintroduced.
Representative Pierce announced on September 10, 2008 at DePauw University that he intended to introduce a bill calling for a full system of Advanced Renewable Tariffs like those in Germany, France, and Spain into the next legislative session. Since that time Pierce was named Vice Chair of the relevant committee.
Indiana has effectively no renewable energy policy and only a fledgling renewable energy industry. Nevertheless, there is some wind energy development in the north of the state, all for export, and an Italian manufacturer of gearboxes for wind turbines plans to open a factory near Muncie, Indiana.
HB 1622 is patterned after the Michigan bill and like the Michigan bill is intended to spur job creation in a state suffering from the collapse of the auto industry, long a major employer.
January 16, 2009
By Paul Gipe , pgipe@igc.org
Representative Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) has introduced HB 1622, the Advanced Renewable Energy Tariffs Act, into the Indiana General Assembly. The bill received first reading January 16, 2009 and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities. Representative Pierce is Vice Chair of the committee.
The Midwest has become a hot bed of activity around feed-in tariffs since the introduction of HB 5218, the Michigan Renewable Energy Sources Act, in the fall of 2007 by Representative Kathleen Law.
Following a presentation by Representative Law to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators in early 2008, bills were introduced into the Illinois and the Minnesota state assemblies. Representative David Bly has announced that he plans to reintroduce his bill into Minnesota's new legislative session. Illinois representatives have been preoccupied with the impeachment of Governor Blagojevich and it is uncertain whether the Illinois bill will be reintroduced.
Representative Pierce announced on September 10, 2008 at DePauw University that he intended to introduce a bill calling for a full system of Advanced Renewable Tariffs like those in Germany, France, and Spain into the next legislative session. Since that time Pierce was named Vice Chair of the relevant committee.
Indiana has effectively no renewable energy policy and only a fledgling renewable energy industry. Nevertheless, there is some wind energy development in the north of the state, all for export, and an Italian manufacturer of gearboxes for wind turbines plans to open a factory near Muncie, Indiana.
HB 1622 is patterned after the Michigan bill and like the Michigan bill is intended to spur job creation in a state suffering from the collapse of the auto industry, long a major employer.
- HB 1622
- Status HB 1622
Paul Gipe is an author and reknowned expert on wind energy. His biography and resume can be found at http://www.wind-works.org/bio.html.
Additional information on Feed Laws including Tables of Feed-In Tariffs Worldwide can be found at http://www.wind-works.org/articles/feed_laws.html
Contact Information: Paul Gipe, 208 South Green Street, #5, Tehachapi, CA 93561-1741, USA Phone: +1 661 325 9590 pgipe@igc.org
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Attend Third House Meetings to Talk to State Legislators About Renewable Energy
State legislators are scheduled to return to the State House tomorrow (01/07/09) and will meet until the end of April 2009. This year is the so-called "long session" in which state lawmakers adopt a two year budget. Third House meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet face-to-face with your local state legislators to get an update on important issues. The Third House is you the voter. The other two houses are the Indiana State Senate and the Indiana House of Representatives.
JANUARY 2009
01/09/09 (Friday) Valparaiso, IN
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Legislative Hotline 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Valpo Chamber, 2nd Floor Conference Room 2A
Free to attend. No reservations required. Call for details (219) 462-1105. Next meeting 01/23/09.
01/12/09 (Monday) Carmel, IN
Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Mansion at Oak Hill. There is a $25 fee and registration is required by January 8. For more information and to register go to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce website.
01/13/09 (Tuesday) Franklin, IN
Franklin Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Franklin College Dietz Center. There is a fee of $8 for continental breakfast. For further information or to register, go to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce website.
01/16/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
01/17/09 (Saturday) Bedford, IN
Bedford Area Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 9:00am in the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.
01/17/09 (Saturday) Ft. Wayne, IN
Ft. Wayne Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Third House Forums: Be aware and understand issues and policy that affect Northeast Indiana by attending the Chamber's 3rd House Forums. These forums will provide you with an update on both the legislative climate in the Statehouse, and how the Chamber's business issues are faring in the process. Legislators of the Northeast Indiana Delegation are available to take questions and respond to your concerns. These forums take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon during the legislative session.
01/26/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.
01/26/09 (Monday) Anderson, IN
City of Anderson Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:00am at the Anderson Public Library third floor. For more information go to the City of Anderson website. Additional meetings scheduled for 03/09/09 and 04/13/09. Invited to attend are state Sen. Tim Lanane and Reps. Terri Austin, Jack Lutz and Scott Reske.
01/26/09 (Monday) Danville, IN
Hendricks County Legislative Breakfast Series
The annual legislative breakfast series is sponsored by Hendricks Power Cooperative, Hendricks County Farm Bureau Inc. and North Salem State Bank. The breakfasts are free for the public. Reservations are requested by calling Hendricks County Farm Bureau at 317-272-2460.
The monthly events during the legislative session are scheduled at 7 a.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 30 and April 27 in the conference center at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 East Main Street, or Old U.S. 36, in Danville. Invited representatives are Republican state senators Connie Lawson of Danville and Philip Boots of Crawfordsville, and Republican representatives Bob Behning, Indianapolis; Ralph Foley, Martinsville; Greg Steuerwald, Avon; and Jeff Thompson, Lizton.
01/27/09 (Tuesday) Greenwood, IN
Greenwood Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center. There is a fee of $10. For further information or to register, go to the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce website.
01/27/09 (Tuesday) Indianapolis, IN
5th Annual Conservation Day 2009 at the Statehouse.
A state Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is one of three issues on the agenda for this Lobby Day. Click here to register online or call 317-951-8818.
01/30/09 (Friday) Bloomington, IN
City of Bloomington Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn from noon until 1:30pm. There is a charge of $35 for the meeting. For more information see the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce website.
01/31/09 (Saturday) Madison, IN
Jefferson County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:30am at the Venture Out Business Center, in Madison. For more information go to the Madison Chamber of Commerce website.
01/31/09 (Saturday) Goshen, IN
Elkhart County Third House Meetings
Beginning on Saturday, January 31, 2009, Third House sessions will be held at the Goshen Chamber offices (232 South Main Street). From 8:00 -10:00 am am you’ll have a chance to meet with our local and state legislators, ask questions, and voice your opinion. Third House meetings will be held every other Saturday from January 31 through April 25, 2009. Sessions are FREE and open to the community. Additional dates: 02/14/09, 02/28/09, 03/14/09, 03/28/09, 04/11/09 and 04/25/09. For more information: 574-533-2102 or goshenchamber@goshen.org.
FEBRUARY 2009
02/02/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.
02/03/09 (Tuesday) Greenfield, IN
Greenfield Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. Further details TBA.
02/06/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
02/09/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall. Columbus Third House Meetings occur every Monday morning during the Legislative Session.
02/20/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
If you are aware of any additional Third House meetings, Town Hall meetings or forums where state legislators will be discussing proposed legislation introduced during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly, please contact me lauraarnold@indianarenew.org or call (317) 635-1701. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or local League of Women Voters to see if there are additional meetings scheduled for your community.
JANUARY 2009
01/09/09 (Friday) Valparaiso, IN
Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce
Legislative Hotline 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Valpo Chamber, 2nd Floor Conference Room 2A
Free to attend. No reservations required. Call for details (219) 462-1105. Next meeting 01/23/09.
01/12/09 (Monday) Carmel, IN
Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Mansion at Oak Hill. There is a $25 fee and registration is required by January 8. For more information and to register go to the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce website.
01/13/09 (Tuesday) Franklin, IN
Franklin Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Franklin College Dietz Center. There is a fee of $8 for continental breakfast. For further information or to register, go to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce website.
01/16/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
01/17/09 (Saturday) Bedford, IN
Bedford Area Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 9:00am in the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.
01/17/09 (Saturday) Ft. Wayne, IN
Ft. Wayne Chamber of Commerce Meeting
Third House Forums: Be aware and understand issues and policy that affect Northeast Indiana by attending the Chamber's 3rd House Forums. These forums will provide you with an update on both the legislative climate in the Statehouse, and how the Chamber's business issues are faring in the process. Legislators of the Northeast Indiana Delegation are available to take questions and respond to your concerns. These forums take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon during the legislative session.
01/26/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.
01/26/09 (Monday) Anderson, IN
City of Anderson Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:00am at the Anderson Public Library third floor. For more information go to the City of Anderson website. Additional meetings scheduled for 03/09/09 and 04/13/09. Invited to attend are state Sen. Tim Lanane and Reps. Terri Austin, Jack Lutz and Scott Reske.
01/26/09 (Monday) Danville, IN
Hendricks County Legislative Breakfast Series
The annual legislative breakfast series is sponsored by Hendricks Power Cooperative, Hendricks County Farm Bureau Inc. and North Salem State Bank. The breakfasts are free for the public. Reservations are requested by calling Hendricks County Farm Bureau at 317-272-2460.
The monthly events during the legislative session are scheduled at 7 a.m. on Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 30 and April 27 in the conference center at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 East Main Street, or Old U.S. 36, in Danville. Invited representatives are Republican state senators Connie Lawson of Danville and Philip Boots of Crawfordsville, and Republican representatives Bob Behning, Indianapolis; Ralph Foley, Martinsville; Greg Steuerwald, Avon; and Jeff Thompson, Lizton.
01/27/09 (Tuesday) Greenwood, IN
Greenwood Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. This breakfast is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at the Valle Vista Golf & Conference Center. There is a fee of $10. For further information or to register, go to the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce website.
01/27/09 (Tuesday) Indianapolis, IN
5th Annual Conservation Day 2009 at the Statehouse.
A state Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is one of three issues on the agenda for this Lobby Day. Click here to register online or call 317-951-8818.
01/30/09 (Friday) Bloomington, IN
City of Bloomington Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn from noon until 1:30pm. There is a charge of $35 for the meeting. For more information see the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce website.
01/31/09 (Saturday) Madison, IN
Jefferson County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 8:30am at the Venture Out Business Center, in Madison. For more information go to the Madison Chamber of Commerce website.
01/31/09 (Saturday) Goshen, IN
Elkhart County Third House Meetings
Beginning on Saturday, January 31, 2009, Third House sessions will be held at the Goshen Chamber offices (232 South Main Street). From 8:00 -10:00 am am you’ll have a chance to meet with our local and state legislators, ask questions, and voice your opinion. Third House meetings will be held every other Saturday from January 31 through April 25, 2009. Sessions are FREE and open to the community. Additional dates: 02/14/09, 02/28/09, 03/14/09, 03/28/09, 04/11/09 and 04/25/09. For more information: 574-533-2102 or goshenchamber@goshen.org.
FEBRUARY 2009
02/02/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall.
02/03/09 (Tuesday) Greenfield, IN
Greenfield Legislative Breakfast
Legislative Breakfasts (aka: Third House Meetings) allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. Further details TBA.
02/06/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
02/09/09 (Monday) Columbus, IN
Columbus Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 7:30am at Columbus City Hall. Columbus Third House Meetings occur every Monday morning during the Legislative Session.
02/20/09 (Friday) North Vernon, IN
Jennings County Third House Meeting
Third house meetings allow constituents to meet with their state legislators to ask questions and voice their opinions. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at F.P.B.H. in North Vernon from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
If you are aware of any additional Third House meetings, Town Hall meetings or forums where state legislators will be discussing proposed legislation introduced during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly, please contact me lauraarnold@indianarenew.org or call (317) 635-1701. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or local League of Women Voters to see if there are additional meetings scheduled for your community.
U.S. Congressman Pete Visclosky representing northwest Indiana has posted a schedule of Town Halls meetings for January 2009. See http://www.house.gov/visclosky/jan_townhalls.htm
Friday, December 5, 2008
Committee Chairs for 2009 Indiana General Assembly
This week Indiana House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer (D-South Bend) released the list of Chairs and Vice Chairs for the upcoming 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly. Much to the surprise of veteran State House observers, Rep. Win Moses, Jr. (D-Fort Wayne) was named Chair of the House Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities Committee and Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) was named Vice Chair. Neither of these state legislators were even members of this committee during the last session. The complete roster of the membership of the House Committees has not been released yet.
A big CONGRATULATIONS to both Rep. Moses and Rep. Pierce. Also a big THANK YOU to House Speaker Bauer for having appointed these two visionary state legislators to lead the energy discussion in the Indiana House during the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Earlier this month Senate Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) appointed State Senator Jim Merritt, Jr. (R-Indianapolis) to chair the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee. The members of the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee for 2009 will be as follows:
Sen. James Merrit, Chair (District 31)
Sen. Ed Charbonneau (District 5)
Sen. Beverly Gard (District 28)
Sen. Dennis Kruse (District 14)
Sen. Jean Leising (District 42)
Sen. Marlin Stutzman (District 13)
Sen. Carlin Yoder (District 12)
Sen. Jean Breaux (District 34)
Sen. Bob Deig (District 49)
Sen. Sue Errington (District 26)
Sen. Lonnie Randolph (District 2)
We would also like to CONGRATULATE Sen. Merritt on his new chairmanship and to thank Sen. Long for appointing Sen. Merritt to head this important committee in the State Senate.
If your state legislator serves on these committees, we encourage you to talk to them about your interest and support for renewable energy. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
A big CONGRATULATIONS to both Rep. Moses and Rep. Pierce. Also a big THANK YOU to House Speaker Bauer for having appointed these two visionary state legislators to lead the energy discussion in the Indiana House during the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Earlier this month Senate Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) appointed State Senator Jim Merritt, Jr. (R-Indianapolis) to chair the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee. The members of the Senate Utilities and Technology Committee for 2009 will be as follows:
Sen. James Merrit, Chair (District 31)
Sen. Ed Charbonneau (District 5)
Sen. Beverly Gard (District 28)
Sen. Dennis Kruse (District 14)
Sen. Jean Leising (District 42)
Sen. Marlin Stutzman (District 13)
Sen. Carlin Yoder (District 12)
Sen. Jean Breaux (District 34)
Sen. Bob Deig (District 49)
Sen. Sue Errington (District 26)
Sen. Lonnie Randolph (District 2)
We would also like to CONGRATULATE Sen. Merritt on his new chairmanship and to thank Sen. Long for appointing Sen. Merritt to head this important committee in the State Senate.
If your state legislator serves on these committees, we encourage you to talk to them about your interest and support for renewable energy. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.
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