By Bill Medley, Evansville Courier & Press writer
medleyb@courierpress.com
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels unveiled a new energy plan today aimed at expanding the state's energy industry by using more energy sources such as coal and ethanol produced within the state.
The "Hoosier Homegrown" plan will attempt to reduce energy dependency and increase reliability for Indiana, which is a net importer of some energy sources, such as natural gas, Daniels' office said.
The governor will also be at the Port of Indiana in Mount Vernon this afternoon to announce plans for the state's newest ethanol plant. Consolidated Grain & Barge Inc. of Jeffersonville, Ind., has already received permission from the port to lease land there for a $125 million ethanol plant.
"The state's economic comeback depends on development of our energy potential," Daniels said in a statement.
The Governor's office said 75 percent of the state's energy expenditures leave Indiana to purchase imports of coal, natural gas and oil. The new energy plan calls for more "clean coal" technology usage and new electric generation plants.
Daniels also announced the formation of an Interagency Council on Energy to advise the governor and General Assembly on energy policy matters.
"Our energy industry must grow," Daniels said. "With new forms of energy production, such as biodiesel, ethanol and clean coal, we will preserve and grow jobs and income."