FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 19, 2022) – A years-long effort to develop a long-term energy plan for Indiana culminated today at the Statehouse as the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force released its findings and recommendations.
Led by co-chairs State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) and State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford), the task force voted 13-2 to support the group's final report to share with state legislators and the governor prior to the upcoming legislative session.
"Over the last two years, we've worked on a bipartisan basis to hear from experts and stakeholders to craft recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy for our state," Soliday said. "We believe Indiana's plan must satisfy five pillars of electric utility service, including reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability. Our goal is for Indiana to utilize a mix of energy sources that don't compromise reliability and affordability, because that's what everyday Hoosiers and businesses expect."
Koch said until new technologies are developed, or significant advancements in existing technologies occur, Indiana's electricity needs are best served through a diverse resource mix that leverages the strengths of, and mitigates the weaknesses inherent in, each type of generation resource. He said this approach provides the best path forward to ensure that all five pillars are appropriately balanced.
"Formulating a plan to provide reliable and affordable energy throughout Indiana now and in the future requires a great deal of collaboration, and I appreciate the contributions of everyone involved in this task force," Koch said. "I look forward to sharing our findings with the rest of my colleagues as we craft energy policy that is in the best interest of our citizens."
The task force recommended the General Assembly work with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to encourage the adoption of more innovative technologies that enhance the reliability of the state's energy and reduce customer costs. The group also recommended the legislature establish best practices related to safety issues surrounding battery storage facilities, small modular nuclear reactors, hydrogen facilities and infrastructure, and other emerging energy technologies.
To ensure more Hoosiers are aware of energy affordability programs, the task force recommended the General Assembly work with relevant agencies to provide further outreach and promotion around the state.
Since starting in 2019, Soliday said the task force has heard presentations from over 160 people who offered different insights on Indiana's energy policy.
The final report by the 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force is posted online at iga.in.gov.
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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.
