The 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly adjourned on Friday, March 14 without enacting a state Renewable Electricity Standard or RES for Indiana electric utilities. Yup, that makes three years in a row that our state legislators were not able to bring us in line with more than half of the other states in the United States that have already adopted an RES.
The last time I wrote about this subject for this blog I described the initial conference committee report offered by Rep. Russ Stilwell for HB 1117. During the final days of the session alternative conference committee report was circulated on behalf of Sen. Brandt Hershman. Most observers believe that Sen. Hershman’s proposal reflected the position of Ed Simcox and the Indiana Energy Association. See www.indianaenergy.org.
The RES portion of this conference committee report was as follows:
Each electricity supplier shall supply electricity that is generated from, or otherwise qualifies as, a renewable energy resource or an advanced energy resource to Indiana customers as a percentage of the total electricity supplied by the electricity supplier to Indiana customers a follows:
2% by 2011 (as compared to 2% by 2010);
4% by 2015 (as compared to 5%);
6% by 2020 (as compared to 8%); and
10% by 2025 (as compared to 12%).
Ok so not as good as the proposal offered by Rep. Stilwell but it was still a start you might think. Yes, but the real debate was over other issues in the bill such as “trackers”.
HB 1280 addressing energy efficient buildings was enacted during the 2008 session, however, it was basically stripped of its original content and was turned into a study committee topic assigned to the Environmental Quality Service Council or EQSC. After a rather lively and lengthy debate --for the short session--, in the Senate Energy & Environmental Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield), HB 1280 was amended to become merely a study committee topic. Sen. Gard did indicate a willingness to amend the bill in Conference Committee and to allow the parties to the discussion to continue negotiations. So HB 1280 was passed by the Senate and then House author Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) dissented on the bill to allow it to be considered in Conference Committee. A Conference Committee hearing was held during the last week of the session; however, a resolution of differences was not reached. During the waning hours of the session, Rep. Pierce withdrew his dissent motion and thereby allowing the House to vote on a concurrence motion to agree with the changes made to the bill in the Senate.
Those interested in learning more about EQSC and its activities during the 2007 interim should visit-- http://www.in.gov/legislative/interim/committee/eqsc.html
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Rep. Stilwell Released HB 1117 Proposed Conference Committee Report March 6
The Conference Committee on HB 1117 met on Thursday, March 6, 2008. Conference Committee Chairman Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville) distributed a proposed conference committee report with the following new language establishing a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) for the State of Indiana:
Each electricity supplier shall supply electricity that is generated from renewable energy resources to Indiana customers as a percentage of the total electricity supplied by the electricity supplier to Indiana customers during a calendar year as follows:
- Two percent (2%) by 2010,
- Five percent (5%) by 2015,
- Eight percent (8%) by 2020, and
- Twelve percent (12%) by 2025.
The Conference Committee Report specifies that an electricity supplier may not use a renewable energy resource described in section 5(a)(5) of this chapter to generate more than twenty percent (20%) of the electricity that the electricity supplier is required to supply. Section 5(a)(5) refers to clean coal and energy projects (as defined in IC 8-1-8.8-2).
A full copy Rep. Stilwell's proposed HB1117 Conference Committee Report is not currently available on-line.
To receive a copy of the proposed HB 1117 conference committee report, please send an e-mail to: lauraarnold@indianarenew.org.
Since our last post on this issue, Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown) has replaced Sen. James Lewis (D-Charlestown) as a Senate conferee. Sen. Lewis is now an advisor to the HB 1117 Conference Committee.
The revised list of HB 1117 Conferees is as follows:
House conferees appointed:
*Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville), h74@in.gov
*Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), h65@in.gov
House advisors appointed:
Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes), h64@in.gov
Rep. Jack Lutz (R-Anderson), h35@in.gov
Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington), h42@in.gov
Senate conferees appointed:
*Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello), s7@in.gov
*Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown), s47@in.gov
Senate advisors appointed:
Sen. Thomas Wyss (R-Ft. Wayne), s15@in.gov
Sen. James Lewis (D-Charlestown), s45@in.gov
*denotes voting member of the Conference Committee
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
HB 1117 Conference Committee Meeting 03/06/08, 9:30 AM, Rm 156-A State House
A Conference Committee meeting on HB 1117 has been scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 9:30 AM in Room 156-A of the State House. There are no further details at this time. HB 1117 was amended in the Indiana Senate to add a weak Renewable Electricity Standard provision.
The HB 1117 Conferees are as follows:
House conferees appointed:
*Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville), h74@in.gov
*Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), h65@in.gov
House advisors appointed:
Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes), h64@in.gov
Rep. Jack Lutz (R-Anderson), h35@in.gov
Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington), h42@in.gov
Senate conferees appointed:
*Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello), s7@in.gov
*Sen. James Lewis (D-Charlestown), s45@in.gov
Senate advisors appointed:
Sen. Thomas Wyss (R-Ft. Wayne), s15@in.gov
Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown), s47@in.gov
*denotes voting member of the Conference Committee
To call Representatives while the Legislature is in session, telephone
(317) 232-9600 or 9700; 1-800-382-9841 or 9842.
To call Senators while the Legislatire is in session, telephone
(317) 9400 or 9500; 1-800-382-9467.
The HB 1117 Conferees are as follows:
House conferees appointed:
*Rep. Russ Stilwell (D-Boonville), h74@in.gov
*Rep. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), h65@in.gov
House advisors appointed:
Rep. Kreg Battles (D-Vincennes), h64@in.gov
Rep. Jack Lutz (R-Anderson), h35@in.gov
Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington), h42@in.gov
Senate conferees appointed:
*Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Monticello), s7@in.gov
*Sen. James Lewis (D-Charlestown), s45@in.gov
Senate advisors appointed:
Sen. Thomas Wyss (R-Ft. Wayne), s15@in.gov
Sen. Richard Young (D-Milltown), s47@in.gov
*denotes voting member of the Conference Committee
To call Representatives while the Legislature is in session, telephone
(317) 232-9600 or 9700; 1-800-382-9841 or 9842.
To call Senators while the Legislatire is in session, telephone
(317) 9400 or 9500; 1-800-382-9467.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Senate Conferees Named for HB 1280
Yesterday (03/03/08) the Senate appointed Conference Committee Conferees for HB 1280 on energy efficient buildings as follows:
Senate conferees appointed: Sens. Hershman and Simpson
Senate advisors appointed: Sens. Gard and Breaux
Senate conferees appointed: Sens. Hershman and Simpson
Senate advisors appointed: Sens. Gard and Breaux
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Indiana General Assembly Enters the "Twilight Zone"; HB 1117 and HB 1280 Conferees Named
We are now moving into the final two weeks of the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly. State legislators at this stage of the game only address bills that have already passed both the House and the Senate. Conference Committees are appointed to work out the differences between the versions or the variations of the proposed legislation.
Quite frankly, I refer to this period of the session addressing Conference Committees as the "Twilight Zone".
Wikipedia says this: "The Twilight Zone is an American television anthology series created (and often written) by its narrator and host Rod Serling. Each episode (156 in the original series) is a self-contained fantasy, science fiction, or horror story, often concluding with an eerie or unexpected twist."
It's the eerie or unexpected twist I guess that causes me to think of Conference Committees as sometimes taking place in the "Twilight Zone". Anything can and does happen during this part of the session. Just remember that this episode of the bizarre fantasy known as the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly will conclude March 14th! Of course, there is the possibility that Governor Mitch Daniels will call state legislators back to the State House for a Special Session, however, that is not likely unless they fail to act on property tax relief.
HB 1117 addresses a variety of coal issues including coal gasification. Sen. Hershman added an amendment in the Senate that establishes a weak renewable electricity standard.
For more information see these recent articles:
from the Speedway Navigator http://www.speedwaynavigator.net/V3I1/a24.html
and from the South Bend Tribune http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/BIZ/802230442.
Renewable energy advocates will want to watch HB 1117 closely during conference and to communicate with conferees, advisors and their own state legislators to urge that the renewable electricity standard language be strengthened in the bill.
The conferees and advisors appointed for HB 1117 last week (02/28/08) are as follows:
House conferees appointed: Reps. Stilwell and Koch
House advisors appointed: Reps. Battles and Lutz
Representative Grubb appointed as House advisor
Senate conferees appointed: Sens. Hershman and Lewis
Senate advisors appointed: Sens. Wyss and R. Young
HB 1280 as introduced set out procedures for energy efficient buildings. In the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee, the bill was amended to require the Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) to study whether public entities should be required or encouraged to seek to achieve energy and environmental design ratings in the construction and renovation of buildings and structures. Sen. Gard, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee, agreed to allow HB 1280 to go to a conference committee to allow parties an opportunity to continue to work on compromise language to address concerns expressed by the Indiana hardwood lumber industry.
Thus far, only House conferees and advisors for HB 1280 have been appointed as follows:
House conferees appointed: Reps. Pierce and Wolkins
House advisors appointed: Reps. Austin and Friend
Stay tuned for the next episode of the "Twilight Zone"!
Quite frankly, I refer to this period of the session addressing Conference Committees as the "Twilight Zone".
Wikipedia says this: "The Twilight Zone is an American television anthology series created (and often written) by its narrator and host Rod Serling. Each episode (156 in the original series) is a self-contained fantasy, science fiction, or horror story, often concluding with an eerie or unexpected twist."
It's the eerie or unexpected twist I guess that causes me to think of Conference Committees as sometimes taking place in the "Twilight Zone". Anything can and does happen during this part of the session. Just remember that this episode of the bizarre fantasy known as the 2008 session of the Indiana General Assembly will conclude March 14th! Of course, there is the possibility that Governor Mitch Daniels will call state legislators back to the State House for a Special Session, however, that is not likely unless they fail to act on property tax relief.
HB 1117 addresses a variety of coal issues including coal gasification. Sen. Hershman added an amendment in the Senate that establishes a weak renewable electricity standard.
For more information see these recent articles:
from the Speedway Navigator http://www.speedwaynavigator.net/V3I1/a24.html
and from the South Bend Tribune http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/BIZ/802230442.
Renewable energy advocates will want to watch HB 1117 closely during conference and to communicate with conferees, advisors and their own state legislators to urge that the renewable electricity standard language be strengthened in the bill.
The conferees and advisors appointed for HB 1117 last week (02/28/08) are as follows:
House conferees appointed: Reps. Stilwell and Koch
House advisors appointed: Reps. Battles and Lutz
Representative Grubb appointed as House advisor
Senate conferees appointed: Sens. Hershman and Lewis
Senate advisors appointed: Sens. Wyss and R. Young
HB 1280 as introduced set out procedures for energy efficient buildings. In the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee, the bill was amended to require the Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) to study whether public entities should be required or encouraged to seek to achieve energy and environmental design ratings in the construction and renovation of buildings and structures. Sen. Gard, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Environmental Affairs Committee, agreed to allow HB 1280 to go to a conference committee to allow parties an opportunity to continue to work on compromise language to address concerns expressed by the Indiana hardwood lumber industry.
Thus far, only House conferees and advisors for HB 1280 have been appointed as follows:
House conferees appointed: Reps. Pierce and Wolkins
House advisors appointed: Reps. Austin and Friend
Stay tuned for the next episode of the "Twilight Zone"!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Solar Nation: Renewable Energy Bill Passes U.S. House
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.
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.
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.
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