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AES Indiana plans to convert the Petersburg Generating Station from coal to natural gas. If Senate Bill 178 becomes law, its possible it could open up the plant to receive clean energy grant funding.
Courtesy of Google MapsA bill to define natural gas and propane as clean energy sources is awaiting the governor’s signature. House lawmakers passed Senate Bill 178 on Monday.
The author said it would allow Indiana to use federal clean energy grants to fund natural gas and propane projects. But environmental groups have said that's unlikely — because most federal grant programs don’t define it that way.
They also say that — while natural gas is less dirty than coal — it still shouldn’t be considered “green.” Natural gas produces methane — a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
READ MORE: Natural gas, propane would be considered 'clean energy' if Senate bill becomes law
Ohio passed similar legislation in 2022 in an attempt to help companies meet ESG standards. Those are policies that consider the environmental or social impacts of their investments.
Rebecca is our energy and environment reporter. Contact her at rthiele@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @beckythiele.
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