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Committee approves bill labeling natural gas and propane ‘clean’ for incentives amid divided testimony, 10-3
Summary
The committee passed Senate Bill 178 to add natural gas and propane to the state's list of "clean/green" energy resources, drawing opposition from environmental groups and support from industry; vote was 10-3.
The Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee voted 10-3 to advance Senate Bill 178, which would classify natural gas and propane as part of the state's definition of clean or green energy for the purpose of eligibility for state and federal clean-energy incentives.
Representative Miller, who presented the bill, said the measure "reclassifies two things" so that natural gas and propane "become part of Indiana's...definition of clean energy." Miller framed the change as an "all-of-the-above" energy approach that preserves consumer fuel choice.
Witnesses and committee members sharply disagreed over whether reclassifying fossil-derived fuels as "clean" was accurate or advisable. Larry Kane, a retired environmental attorney speaking for himself and the Creation Care Ministry at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, said: "I consider it a misnomer to refer to natural gas as clean energy," citing emissions from combustion and lifecycle greenhouse gases.
Sam Carpenter of the Hoosier Environmental Council opposed the bill and emphasized methane leakage and the availability of truly zero-carbon alternatives such as utility-scale solar, wind and storage. "Natural gas does not meet [the] criteria" for an emerging technology that needs incentives to mature, he told the committee.
Testifying in favor, Maureen Ferguson of the American Petroleum Institute argued the switch from coal to gas has driven significant CO2 reductions in the power sector. "The newest gas-fired generators in the U.S. are more efficient and have lower emission rates roughly 65% below the average coal plant," she said, citing Energy Information Administration data. Matt Long of the Indiana Energy Association noted natural gas already appears as a clean-energy resource under Indiana Code section IC 8-1-37-4.
Representative Matt Pierce said he opposed the bill, arguing the state should not expand incentives for a fossil fuel that still produces significant emissions. Representative Bob Morris and others supported the measure, citing reliability and household choice for heating and cooking.
A roll call produced 10 ayes and 3 no votes. The recorded no votes were Representatives Matt Pierce, Carrie Hamilton and Representative Pryor. The bill will move to the full House for further consideration.
Votes at a glance: Move to pass — motion moved and seconded; outcome: passed. Tally: yes 10, no 3.
