STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2020) – Years-long research on the state's long-term energy plan culminated Nov. 19 at the Statehouse as the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force, co-chaired by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) and State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), released its findings and recommendations.
"Indiana's energy policy impacts every aspect of our economy, and the steps we take today are key to our state's success," Soliday said. "These findings, which could not have been completed without the hard work of many, will serve as the keystone to a statewide, comprehensive energy policy. From families to corporations to our schools, energy is essential. It's a necessity impacting our pocketbooks, Hoosier jobs and the environment, and we must move ahead understanding the need for balance among these important factors."
Soliday said to keep Indiana competitive in attracting and retaining certain businesses, the state must encourage the deployment of renewable energy resources, while not compromising the reliability and affordability of electric utility service.
"I appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone on the Task Force over the past two years, as we have worked to examine and evaluate every aspect of Indiana's policies concerning electric generation portfolios," Koch said. "Arguably the most important finding from the task force is that state energy policy relies on five key pillars – reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability – and any change to one pillar subsequently affects the other four. I am confident that the findings and recommendations from this task force will be helpful as we chart Indiana's energy future."
The task force recommended the General Assembly consider legislation to standardize, on a statewide basis, property tax assessments and caps with respect to renewable energy facilities and to also consider legislation to normalize requirements for the building of renewable energy resource projects and facilities.
The task force, since created in 2019, has heard presentations from a total of 100 people who offered different insights on the future of Indiana's energy policy.
According to Soliday and Koch, the final report by the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force will be shared with state lawmakers ahead of the 2021 legislative session, which is set to begin in January. Findings and recommendations are also posted online at in.gov/h4.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House
District 4, which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) represents Senate
District 44, which includes all of Lawrence and Brown Counties
and parts of Bartholomew, Jackson and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
