Senator Jean Leising expects more attempts to create a statewide standard for solar and wind turbine regulations.

Approximately 6% of Indiana’s power currently comes from renewable energy and there is a strong push to drive that number up as high as 30%.

Leising (photo) expressed caution Friday afternoon with regard to that number without more assurances as to how reliable renewable energy can be for the state.

House Bill 1381 died on the Senate Floor during the most recent Statehouse session’s final days. The bill wanted to create a set of standards for solar and wind facilities that would override stricter standards of local county governments.

The bill passed through the House of Representatives and landed in the Utilities Committee of the Senate where Leising first got involved in the topic.

“I asked a ton of questions,” said Leising via a virtual meeting Friday hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. “There are so many unanswered questions and it would have an impact on my district.”

The bill made it out of the committee, Leising voted against it, but did not have enough support on the Senate floor to continue.

“I think we are doing quite well with renewable (energy) compared to other states in the Midwest but people are pushing that we need to increase our renewables.

“I am going to pay attention to that issue. I am sure it will be back again.”

The session officially recessed Thursday, but did not adjourn, because there is still work to be completed. The Senate needs updated U.S. Census numbers, which are not yet available, to complete redistricting which is based on population numbers.

The Senate has been told that data may not be available until as late as September.

Leising updated those following the meeting online about the new state budget numbers which includes half of the state general fund being allocated to K-12 education.

“With the increase in funding, I am hoping teacher pay will improve,” said Leising.

At least 45% of the state funding schools will be getting must go to teacher pay, according to Leising. And a school is required to submit a report to the Indiana Department of Education if it cannot get starting teacher pay up to $40,000 per year.

“I want people who really want to teach our kids to go into the teaching profession,” said Leising.

The Legislative Update was to include Rep. Sean Eberhart and Senator Michael Crider but both were unable to participate.

For more on what Leising discussed, the virtual meeting is on the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.