Last Updated on January 29, 2021 by State Representative Ethan Manning
SOURCE: News release from the Office of State Representative Ethan Manning
Ethan Manning
STATEHOUSE – The House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee voted today in support of a legislative proposal co-authored by State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) that would reestablish the 21st Century Energy Task Force following its expiration in December of last year.
Manning, a co-author on the bill, said would continue to examine Indiana’s existing energy policies, and present its findings to the Indiana General Assembly and the governor with recommendations for future legislative ideas to help the state’s energy industry move forward.
“The 21st Century Energy Task Force created many opportunities for industry experts to provide their insight into the energy issues facing Hoosiers in every aspect of their lives, from businesses and schools to their own homes,” Manning said. “As we continue tackling these issues and pursuing new energy goals for the state of Indiana, reestablishing this task force allows us to explore solutions and craft energy policy that would benefit all Hoosiers.”
Manning served on the first 21st Century Energy Task force and studied these issues for nearly three years. Among key findings from the task force’s final report in 2020 was that the state’s energy policy relies on five key pillars, including reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability, and any change to one pillar subsequently affects the other four.
If passed into law, the task force would consist of 15 members, with six from the Indiana House of Representatives and six from the Indiana Senate. The governor will fill the remaining spots and appoint three members, each of whom must have specified experience with the energy industry.
The bill directs the task force to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to members of the General Assembly, the governor, the chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and the Indiana Utility Consumer Counsel, no later than Dec. 1, 2022. Any recommendations from this body are non-binding and must go through the legislative process.
House Bill 1220 now moves to the House Floor for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.