Indiana Could Be 'Center of a New Energy Economy for America,' Based on Abundant Renewable Energy

[jpak]

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS152249+07-Oct-2009+PRN20091007

Wind power, biomass, and othersources of renewable energy will bring significant job creation, economic
investment and new tax revenues to Indiana's struggling rural communities,
according to a new report released today by the Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC).

"Facing an unprecedented set of economic challenges, Indiana stands at a new
crossroads and is poised for healthy growth if it can take advantage of the
enormous potential for development of its exceptional renewable resources"
said report author Martin R. Cohen, an independent energy policy analyst.
"With some of the world's most productive farmland, ample water, and steady
winds, Indiana has all the ingredients needed to be at the center of a new
energy economy for America. Tapping into this vast reservoir of clean energy
would create tens of thousands of high-quality jobs and give a big boost to
farm income and rural economies across the state."

Titled "A Clean Energy Economy for Indiana: Analysis of the Rural Economic
Development Potential of Renewable Resources," the report examines the
potential for renewable energy resource development, specifically looking at
how the Hoosier state's considerable wind, biomass and biogas potential will
benefit rural communities.

"The good news is that Indiana's prospects for long-term economic recovery are
directly tied to its energy future, which looks quite promising," added Cohen.
"Clean energy can bring jobs and income to rural Indiana. Within Indiana's
borders are vast resources of wind, land, and water - all the ingredients
needed for Indiana to become a national leader in new energy development,
creating tens of thousands of good jobs and substantial new sources of income
for farmers."

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[seeviewonder]

1. Too bad Indiana is a red state.

I live in East Central Illinois (about 3 miles from Indiana, actually) so I am quite familiar with their political ideas. Renewable energy will not happen in Indiana even if the resources exist.