INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday the Indiana House passed a proposal aimed at making it more difficult for Indiana electric companies to close more coal-fired power plants.

The proposal comes as at least four large Indiana electric utilities intend on closing several coal-burning plants in the coming years.

House members voted 52-41 in favor of the bill that would impose additional state reviews on utility companies for the coming year before they could move ahead with shutting down those plants.

Just two Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, which faces objections from consumer and environmental groups who argue it props up the coal industry and could stifle growth in renewable energy such as wind and solar power.

Republican Rep. Ed Soliday of Valparaiso is the bill’s sponsor.

The proposal now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Soliday wants to slow down those closings before a state energy task force completes a report for legislators that’s due in late 2020.

Opponents argued that the proposal threatens higher electricity bills for consumers and adding bureaucratic steps for companies with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Several coal mines in southwestern Indiana have closed in recent years.

Republican Rep. Bruce Borders of Jasonville said coal is a primary reason the state has affordable electricity now as 70 percent of Indiana’s electricity now comes from coal-burning plants.

 

File Image of power coal power plant by Emilian Robert Vicol from Pixabay