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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up on BLM sign on Continental Divide Trail in Rawlins, Wyoming.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule

The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

April 20 - Public Domain

Calvary Street bridge over freeway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path

Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.

April 20 - Smart Cities Dive