Coal bill, lead testing still at play in Indiana legislature

A handful of environmental bills are left in the Indiana legislature, including a controversial coal bill, lead testing, and notification of companies after toxic spills.

The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Mar. 11.

Slowing utilities from shutting coal plants.

Sponsor: Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso

The controversial bill to slow utilities from shutting down coal plants was referred to the Senate earlier this month, but hasn’t yet been assigned to a committee.

Soliday amended the bill to expire after a year, while critics said that could mean it’s possible to return in future sessions.

Electric companies would need state and federal approval before closing a coal-fired plant. Critics have said the move is meant to stall a transition to cleaner energy.

Last month, nearly only coal companies supported it in testimony.

The Northwest Indiana Public Service Co., announced last year it plans to shut its coal-fired plants by 2028, moving to cheaper sources including solar, wind, other various renewables and electricity bought off the grid.

Those plans include retiring the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station (Units 14, 15, 17 and 18) in Wheatfield by 2023 and its Michigan City Generating Station (Unit 12) by 2028.

Notification after industrial spills

Sponsor: Rep. Ryan Hatfield, D-Evansville

The proposal would update the Environmental Rules Board’s administrative rules — adding the requirement that a water utility and/or treatment plant is notified after a toxic industrial spill.

Indiana American Water says it monitors water quality at its Ogden Dunes and Gary treatment plants and is already required to be notified of nearby spills.

Testing child care drinking water for lead in Lake County

Sponsor: Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond

It requires every child care center, home-based day care, church-based day care, other child care institution and school get tested for lead and copper in Lake County by 2023.

Fees for electric motorbikes and motorcycles

Sponsor: Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores

Requires a $25 supplemental fee for an electric motorcycle or motorbike.

Removes permit required for drain work by wetlands

Sponsors: Sen. Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Syracuse, Sen. Linda Rogers, RGranger

The proposal would tax a required state environmental permit for “reconstruction or maintenance” projects on regulated drains near wetlands.

It passed the House and was referred recently to the Senate Committee on Local Government.

The Hoosier Environmental Council, which opposes the bill, says leaving projects unchecked could damage wetlands.