Social Links Search
Tools
Close

  

Close

INDIANA WEATHER

Indiana Declares Natural Gas as Clean Energy

Indiana Declares Natural Gas as Clean Energy


By Andi Anderson

Indiana has taken a significant step in redefining clean energy by passing a new law that classifies natural gas and propane as clean fuels. Senate Bill 178, signed by Governor Mike Braun, allows these fuels to qualify for state tax credits and other energy-related incentives.

Supporters of the law claim it promotes an “all of the above” strategy to lower energy costs and ensure energy reliability for Indiana residents. They argue including natural gas and propane in the clean energy category gives families and businesses more affordable options.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from environmental advocates. Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, voiced strong concerns about the environmental consequences of this law.

“Methane is around 38 times more potent as a greenhouse gas,” he stated. “There’s leakage in every step—drilling, storage, transportation, and even burning.”

Carpenter also pointed out that investments in natural gas infrastructure may not pay off in the long term. Building pipelines and systems is expensive and time-consuming. Meanwhile, Indiana’s energy market is rapidly shifting towards more sustainable options.

“Ninety percent of new generation coming online is renewable,” Carpenter noted. “It’s wind, and it’s solar, and it’s battery storage. That shift is driven by price, competition, and timely deployment.”

Although the new law has bipartisan support in the state legislature, Carpenter believes it will have little immediate effect unless national energy policies change.

Indiana’s move comes at a time when many states are focusing on expanding solar, wind, and other clean sources. Whether this law slows down that momentum or not remains to be seen.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave

Indiana Farm Bureau Secures Major Legislative Wins for Farmers in 2025 Indiana Farm Bureau Secures Major Legislative Wins for Farmers in 2025
Spring Planting Begins After Wet Season Ends Spring Planting Begins After Wet Season Ends

Categories: Indiana, Energy

Subscribe to Farms.com newsletters

Crop News

Rural Lifestyle News

Livestock News

General News

Government & Policy News

National News

Back To Top