Out-of-state coal interests are funding a battle to keep Indiana coal plants from closing

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https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/04/12/coal-plants-indiana-how-group-hopes-keep-them-running/3411536002/

Out-of-state coal interests are funding a battle to keep Indiana coal plants from closing
Emily Hopkins, Indianapolis Star Published 6:00 a.m. ET April 12, 2019 | Updated 8:49 a.m. ET April 12, 2019

Across the nation, coal-fired power plants are rapidly being retired — a cost-conscious, clean-energy trend that has spurred some of the world's largest coal interests to fund an aggressive effort to keep them running, including here in Indiana.

The Energy Policy Network is leading that effort. The nonprofit bills itself as a national advocacy organization working "to develop energy and environmental policies that balance environmental values, business needs and consumer interests."

Presentations made by the nonprofit's executive director, however, make its mission clear: keep companies purchasing Wyoming coal. The organization does so by intervening in utility proceedings on the state level, where they employ coal lobbyists to argue against the closure of coal plants.

Now, EPN has set its eyes on Indiana as its next "battleground." It plans to spend $175,000 to fight NIPSCO's applications to purchase wind power to replace its coal-powered electricity, according to an email obtained by a public records request and provided to IndyStar.

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https://www.utilitydive.com/news/indiana-lawmakers-reject-generation-moratorium-aimed-at-saving-coal/552643/

Indiana lawmakers reject generation moratorium aimed at saving coal

Published
April 12, 2019

Dive Brief:

• Indiana lawmakers on Thursday defeated a controversial power plant moratorium aimed at preserving in-state coal generators, but the language could resurface later in the legislative session.
• State lawmakers voted 53-38 to remove Amendment 7 from Senate Bill 472. The amendment would have halted utility purchases or construction of generation assets 250 MW or larger until 2021.
• Debate over the generation moratorium corresponded with a lobbying campaign by out-of-state coal interests that supply fuel to Indiana generators, the Indianapolis Star reported. Utilities, which plan to retire their aging coal generators in favor of cheaper gas and renewables, have opposed the moratorium.

Dive Insight:

Defeat of the Indiana generation moratorium on Thursday night is a victory for the natural gas and renewable energy industries, which are set to see their responsibilities grow in the state as utilities retire coal plants.

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