Requiring Indiana utilities to generate more energy from renewable sources – sun, wind and biomass – would bring billions in economic development dollars, create thousands of Hoosier jobs and lead to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

The report released Tuesday by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that focusing on Indiana’s clean energy potential would also encourage billions of dollars in new investment, reduce the state’s overdependence on coal and cut carbon emissions.

The findings are not new or surprising. A 2009 report from Indiana Businesses for a Clean Energy Economy showed that Indiana ranked second in the nation in potential for renewable-energy jobs, and estimated renewable-energy investment could create more than 40,000 jobs in Indiana.

But the Concerned Scientists’ study adds credibility because it was peer reviewed.

“Adopting stronger clean energy standards can help transform Indiana’s economy,” said Steven Frenkel, director of UCS’s Midwest office, in a news release. “Generating more renewable energy will put people back to work manufacturing the components needed to power the clean energy economy, such as wind turbines and solar panels. Also, reducing energy use can help keep Indiana’s businesses competitive by cutting their energy costs.”

The study analyzes the potential effects of the Midwestern Governors Association 2009 clean energy strategy. That plan called for each state to adopt a renewable energy standard requiring 30 percent of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. The plan also calls for the states to reduce energy consumption 2 percent by 2015 with an additional 2 percent savings each following year.

Indiana leaders have stubbornly refused to adopt a renewable energy standard. In April the state adopted a much weaker voluntary goal that requests just 10 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2025. And the state legislature’s definition of renewable was quite different from what any scientist would allow.

According to the study, adopting the Midwestern Governors’ goals would save Hoosier residents and businesses $9 billion on their electricity and natural gas bills, create 19,200 new jobs and garner $11 billion in new capital investments. It would generate $270 million in new income for farmers and landowners producing biomass crops or leasing land to wind power facilities. This would lead to an additional $940 million in property tax revenue.

There are also the benefits of cleaner air and decreased carbon emissions, for residents who care about that sort of thing.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20110723/EDIT07/307239993/1147/EDIT07