INDIANAPOLIS – An Indiana Senate panel has passed a stripped-down version of a bill that would make it harder for power companies in the state to close coal-fired power plants.

The Senate Utilities Committee voted 8-2 Thursday to approve the legislation after passing an amendment that removed language that would allow utilities to increase their coal reserves and require them to keep coal plants operational.

At least four large Indiana electric utilities intend to close several coal-burning plants in the coming years.

In its original form, the House bill would have likely prolonged the process for utilities wanting to close coal-fired power plants.

The amendment also moved up the House bill’s sunset date by four months, to Dec. 31, 2020, meaning that it would be in effect for only six months.

The bill will now head to the full Senate floor for a vote, where further changes could be made.

Critics call the legislation a bail-out for the coal industry.

 

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