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
Categories: Indiana, Energy