Senate committee approves measure to label natural gas, propane as clean energy amid split testimony

The Senate Utilities Committee voted 8-2 to advance Senate Bill 178 on a voice/roll call after testimony for and against whether natural gas and propane should be added to the state’s definition of clean or green energy.

The measure, introduced by Senator Jim Buck, would add natural gas to Indiana’s statutory list of clean or green energy and—by amendment—include propane. “What this bill simply does is makes natural gas cataloged right along with other clean and, green energy,” Buck told the committee when he introduced the bill, and he explained that the amendment adds propane.

Supporters described the change as preserving consumer fuel choice and allowing utilities, builders and households to pursue potential state or federal programs, grants or incentives tied to clean-energy definitions. Carly Hopper of the…