The Impact on Indiana
Hoosiers could be hit especially hard by federal carbon regulation since 94% of our electricity is generated from coal. Previous cap and trade proposals had the potential to raise Indiana electric bills anywhere from $30 to $70 a month depending on your electricity usage, with the typical consumer seeing an average increase of $50. If regulations drafted by the EPA are similarly punitive, those costs will be levied without an opportunity to have debate by a legislative body with responsibility to the public.
Despite efforts to use energy more efficiently, Hoosiers are consuming more electricity than ever before, thanks to a growing assortment of electronics that require power or at the very least, an occasional recharge. At the same time, energy prices have been on the rise while the economy has been on a decline. And now we’re facing legislative measures that will target a by-product of our most affordable fuel source - coal. We can’t deny that coal emits carbon dioxide. In these tough economic times, however, we simply can’t afford to dismiss it as a fuel source for generating electricity.
Legislative and regulatory initiatives designed to fulfill the promise of reducing greenhouse gas emissions could harm states that rely more heavily on coal-generated power plants the most. The Indiana Partnership for Fair and Affordable Energy is committed to working toward a solution that addresses the carbon concern without placing an unfair burden on Hoosier ratepayers.
