« Law - "Federal repeal of marriage act gays’ best hope" | Main | Ind. Law - More on monetary costs of the death penalty in Indiana »

Monday, November 29, 2010

Environment - "Indiana lagging on renewable energy plan: Illinois, Michigan standards help attract investment

That was the headline to this Nov. 26th Gary Post-Tribune story by Gitte Laasby. Some quotes:

When it comes to renewable energy, economic development officials in Michigan could be laughing all the way to the bank.

Michigan's renewable energy policy has attracted billions of dollars in investments over the last two years while neighboring Indiana sat idly by. The developments are expected to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing -- a blow to industrial areas like Northwest Indiana. * * *

"Since the adoption of the renewable energy standard in Michigan, we have attracted more than $9 billion in new investment in new alternative energy manufacturing business," said Michael Shore, spokesman for Michigan Economic Development Corp.

"That $9 billion is projected to create more than 9,000 jobs over the next 10 years. We've gotten significant new investments in solar energy manufacturing, wind energy, biofuels as well as advanced battery. Those are the green, sustainable energy sectors we've targeted."

Indiana is one of 14 states nationwide without any kind of renewable energy standard, according to the Pew Center of Global Climate Change. The Indiana Legislature has considered one the past four sessions. Both houses passed separate bills last year, but couldn't agree on a compromise because one senator wanted to include nuclear among renewables. Other lawmakers cited concerns that electricity rates will increase if utilities have to get a certain percentage of energy from renewables, which are more expensive than coal.

There is much more in the story. The IBJ has what looks to be a shorter, AP version of the story here today.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 29, 2010 09:10 AM
Posted to Environment