(INDIANAPOLIS) — Today the Indiana Chamber of Commerce hosted an energy and manufacturing roundtable featuring Greg Goode, state director for U.S. Senator Todd Young. The moderated discussion, which brought together a variety of energy manufacturers, state and local officials, and development organizations, focused on how federal energy tax credits will strengthen Indiana’s all-of-the-above energy dominance and keep America competitive.
Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders welcomed the group and highlighted the current landscape in Indiana. “Investments in advanced manufacturing and energy are being made in every corner of our state and are serving to revitalize Indiana. Our strong manufacturing base and highly trained workforce also means that the state is especially poised to take advantage of new investments in the clean economy,” said Sinders.
“Indiana has seen at least $17.3 billion dollars committed to clean manufacturing, which has created 12,715 jobs for Hoosiers. The Indiana Chamber is eager to see and support the continued growth of these industries that are foundational to our economic growth and national competitiveness and security,” she concluded.
Common themes expressed by attendees included the need for long-term, strategic investments in the energy sector to meet escalating demand on the grid and keep the United States competitive with global actors such as China. Drastic and abrupt changes to the federal tax code now would have negative effects on developers of new energy systems as well as advanced manufacturers and those in the automotive, microelectronic and agricultural sectors.
Indiana is the most manufacturing-intensive state in the U.S, with advanced manufacturing accounting for nearly 30% of the state’s GDP. More than 50% of employment in the state has some connection to manufacturing. Congress is currently considering a tax bill that would significantly restrict access to energy tax credits meant to incentivize the buildout of utility-scale battery, auto and solar projects.
Greg Goode thanked all participants on behalf of Sen. Young and acknowledged the need of businesses to plan with certainty and the importance of an “all of the above” strategy to meet both Indiana’s and the country’s strategic energy needs. He pledged to share what he heard with Sen. Young as the Senate works on H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill.
NOTE: The Indiana Chamber is taking a big picture approach to enhancing the state’s business climate – for Hoosiers and their enterprises – with Indiana Prosperity 2035, a roadmap to drive economic growth and success throughout the state.
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The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
