A bill that would shift control of wind and solar farm development from counties to the state continues to move forward in the Indiana General Assembly. House Bill 1381 passed out of the House Wednesday by a vote of 58-to-38. It now goes to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
During Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference, Governor Holcomb said he’ll be looking for language that balances a statewide approach to energy sources with the need for local decision-making. “Thankfully, our energy policy, as we move forward, has been all-of-the-above,” Holcomb said. “It has been diversified. And so we want to make sure that that local farmer who’s trying to maximize their acreage and also keep in mind their neighbors has the ability to do that, while, at the same time, making sure that we’re a great state for continuing to not just make and ship but create products that are moved all over the world.”
The bill would set statewide standards for commercial wind and solar developments. Currently, those are set by local units of government, typically counties. The bill would also prohibit local governments from imposing more restrictive standards but would allow them to be less strict than the state.
During Wednesday’s vote in the full House, local representatives were split. Jim Pressel voted in favor, while Doug Gutwein and Jack Jordan were opposed.
House Bill 1381 was one of a few the governor was asked about during Wednesday’s press conference. Holcomb said he wasn’t fully convinced that either the House’s or Senate’s proposals to curb his executive powers were constitutional. Meanwhile, a bill that shields schools and businesses from COVID-19 liability was signed into law by the governor on Thursday.
