coal plants

President Trump this week sent out a series of executive orders propping up the coal industry and sidestepping the need for climate action. Now Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signed similar orders.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Wednesday cleared the way for AES Indiana to transition two units at its Petersburg Generating Station from coal to gas.

Rep. Ed Soliday says he’ll have his own legislation.

Coal plant closures have been driving emission decreases over the past decade. More than half of Indiana’s industrial emissions come from power plants and more than a quarter from steel and aluminum manufacturing.

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun asked the state’s powerful utility regulator to reject a coal plant’s proposed conversion to natural gas.

Lawmaker who requested guidance said changes are under discussion.

Most of the decline comes from coal plants closing; power plants in Indiana contribute more than half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the state.