FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2023) — A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would encourage consistent standards for solar and wind energy throughout Indiana passed the Senate Tuesday, Feb. 28, by a vote of 36-12.
Senate Bill 390 would provide incentives for counties to adopt standards in order to be designated a solar or wind ready community.
The bill is a follow-up to Senate Enrolled Act 411, which created a voluntary renewable energy program in 2022.
"The goal for Senate Bill 390 is to incentivize implementing consistent solar and wind energy standards for counties across Indiana rather than requiring statewide compliance," Messmer said.
Currently, Indiana has 54 counties with some level of solar and wind energy standards, many of which are close to the standards created in SEA 411.
SB 390 would establish the Commercial Solar and Wind Energy Ready Communities Development Center within the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED).
The OED has already completed work and developed resources for these types of projects with Purdue University and IUPUI.
"This program will allow Hoosier communities to be ready for the future of energy growth and sends a signal to developers that a community is interested in exploring potential wind or solar opportunities," Messmer said. "I am pleased to see it receive the support of the Senate."
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies, live streams and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
