Indiana's Ambitious Biofuel Vision

The state's Republican governor has big plans for alternative energy -- so why aren't people listening?

1 minute read

April 17, 2006, 12:00 PM PDT

By David Gest


"What is surprising...is the near silence of environmentalists that has greeted Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels' consistent and innovative efforts towards decreasing America's dependency on non-renewable energy through bio-fuel technology and usage here in Indiana. Why aren't the same people who cheered the environmental policies of President Clinton, both in and out of office, doing the same for Gov. Daniels?

Historically, those on the right have not been overly concerned with the environment or finding alternative sources of energy to alleviate America's astronomical consumption of oil. Those who are skeptical of the barrage of Republicans praising bio-fuel technology, production and consumption are wise to have their doubts. But things have changed in recent years as a combination of government subsidies, tax incentives, high oil prices and threats of terrorism have created a booming demand for both ethanol and bio-diesel fuels. This is particularly true in Indiana, where lawmakers at every level are now championing the state as the country's most illustrious bio-fuel producer."

Monday, April 17, 2006 in Indianapolis Nuvo

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