Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)

Sadly, Indiana legislators passed legislation which effectively shifts all the risk onto the backs of ratepayers and taxpayers to enable this dangerous, dirty, and risky technology. SEA271 shifts the financial risk to captive consumers by extending the subsidy that is Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) to SMRs, which will force ratepayers to pay for them while they are being built, and even if they never come online and never produce any electricity. It should be noted that this technology is in no way commercially viable at this current moment in time. More background on SMRs here.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

The owners of the proposed hydrogen and carbon capture project in West Terre Haute, Wabash Valley Resources, once again pushed for legislation to make them immune from any liability from damage done by the long-term storage of toxic, super-critical CO2, such as contaminated air, water, and land. . Additionally, BP, who owns and operates the Whiting Refinery, also sought legislation to enable them to utilize CCS and sequester the toxic super-critical CO2 near the NW Indiana refinery.

Thankfully, the companion bills that were introduced on behalf of Wabash Valley Resources - SB265 and HB1249 - were both defeated. These bills provided only Wabash Valley Resources near blanket immunity from liability and the right to condemn private property with no notification or compensation to the property owner.

However, Indiana legislators passed another bill, HEA1209, which outlines a regulatory framework for CCS activities, like pipelines and long-term storage, and addresses related issues such as pore space ownership, mineral rights, and long-term liability. This legislation opens the entire State of Indiana to both the development of CO2 pipelines and CO2 storage wells. HEA1209 forces Hoosier taxpayers to take ownership of the CO2 storage wells after they have been closed, thereby putting Hoosier taxpayers on the hook for the long-term liability for accidents.

Pro-Solar Bills

There are multiple consumer-friendly bills introduced which would have protected and expanded Hoosier access to distributed generation, like solar power. Sadly, all of this legislation died in the first half of the session.

• HB1136 and SB314 would have extended the availability of net metering. 

• Companion bills SB248 and HB1304 would have restored fairness to the billing method used by the utilities to compensate solar owners for the excess energy they put on the grid.

• Companion bills HB1250 and SB313 would have provided consumers access to community solar programs.
• Background: In 2017, the Indiana General Assembly passed SEA309, which ended net metering in Indiana, making it much more difficult for Hoosiers to put solar on their roofs. Before, you would get credited for excess energy that you produce at the same price you pay; an even swap. Now, you will only get credited for any excess electricity you produce at a rate that is about 75% lower than what you pay to the utility when you purchase electricity. It makes it far more difficult for Hoosiers to recover their investments in generating their own electricity, which makes it a lot harder for households to be energy independent.

Why CAC Lobbies at the Indiana Statehouse

Monopoly utilities and large corporations have the resources to ensure their interests are well represented at the Indiana Statehouse. They have high-paid lobbyists in every corner of the Statehouse, they give massive campaign contributions to legislators, and they give lots of gifts to legislators like meals and event tickets. This enables these industries to “get what they want with little or no questions asked,” as our Executive Director Kerwin Olson stated in the Journal Gazette. 

In contrast, CAC remains dedicated to advocating for the needs of all Hoosiers throughout the legislative session. We monitor dozens of bills, testify at committee hearings, and lobby legislators for consumer friendly policies. We also work to give Hoosiers the information and tools they need to make their voices heard - a powerful and important way of countering the influence of big money.