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

Concrete Brutalism building with slanted walls and light visible through an atrium.

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities

How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

February 28, 2025 - Justin Hollander

Cars on a New York City street

USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing

Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.

February 20, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Tiny home village for unhoused reisdents in Torrance, California.

Tiny House Villages for Addressing Homelessness: An Interview with Yetimoni Kpeebi

One researcher's perspective on the potential of tiny homes and owner-built housing as one tool to fight the housing crisis.

February 20, 2025 - Mark Tirpak

Charred trees on hillside in Altadena, California after Eaton Fire.

Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape

In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.

March 3 - LAist

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Tent covered with camouflage tarp with American flag on front under freeway overpass in California.

Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing

Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.

March 3 - The Associated Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.