Sec. 1. (a) The general assembly makes the following findings:

(1) Growth of Indiana's population and economic base has created a need for new energy production or generating facilities in Indiana.

(2) The development of a robust and diverse portfolio of energy production or generating capacity, including coal gasification and the use of renewable energy resources, is needed if Indiana is to continue to be successful in attracting new businesses and jobs.

(3) Indiana has considerable natural resources that are currently underutilized and could support development of new energy production or generating facilities, including coal gasification facilities, at an affordable price.

(4) Certain regions of the state, such as southern Indiana, could benefit greatly from new employment opportunities created by development of new energy production or generating facilities utilizing the plentiful supply of coal from the geological formation known as the Illinois Basin.

(5) Technology can be deployed that allows high sulfur coal from the geological formation known as the Illinois Basin to be burned or gasified efficiently while meeting strict state and federal air quality limitations. Specifically, the state should encourage the use of advanced clean coal technology, such as coal gasification.

(6) It is in the public interest for the state to encourage the construction of new energy production or generating facilities that increase the in-state capacity to provide for current and anticipated energy demand at a competitive price.

(7) It is in the public interest for the state to encourage the study, analysis, development, and life cycle management of nuclear energy production or generating facilities, as well as carbon dioxide capture, transportation, and storage facilities.

(b) The purpose of this chapter is to enhance Indiana's energy security and reliability by ensuring all of the following:

(1) Indiana's and the region's energy production or generating capacity continues to be adequate to provide for Indiana's current and future energy needs, including the support of the state's economic development efforts.

(2) The vast and underutilized coal resources of the Illinois Basin are used as a fuel source for new energy production or generating facilities.

(3) The electric transmission and gas transportation systems within Indiana are upgraded to distribute additional amounts of electricity and gas more efficiently.

(4) Jobs are created as new energy production or generating facilities are built in regions throughout Indiana.

(5) The study, analysis, development, and life cycle management of nuclear energy production or generating facilities are encouraged at the same time as are new coal fired and other fossil fuel based energy production or generating facilities.

As added by P.L.159-2002, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.175-2007, SEC.11; P.L.150-2011, SEC.2.