By Paul M. Jones, Jr. 

After a friendly hour of networking, Gerry Dick quickly got to work with the group that had assembled to discuss “going green in Indiana.”  Based on the topics discussed, the color “green,” though at times prevalent, was not the only color harkened in one’s imagination.  Grey, black, brown, white and blue were colors often more reflective of the imagery as the discussion raced from the blank pavement surfacing the entire Indianapolis landscape when looking out across the city from several floors up in an office tower to the coal which predominantly powers our state.  From the riveting discussion of “trash-to-gas” potential in Indiana to white reflective roofs, one of which will soon grace the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful headquarters, and to the Colts and the opportunities presented by the Super Bowl in just four short years.  Those were just a few of the colors, images and topics covered by the enthusiastic group. 

What seemed to materialize in the course of conversation was evidence of both Indiana’s leadership and Indiana’s potential.  On one hand, Indiana is a leader or will soon be a leader in the United States for wind development, biofuels, cellulosic fuels, hybrid battery technology and a host of cleantech industries.  On the other hand, when compared to other states (or countries), Indiana lacks a renewable portfolio standard (like many  other states), an attractive state tax credit (like Iowa or Ohio) to foster both solar, wind and biomass development and manufacturing of components like solar panels, wind turbines, etc., and by and large Indiana as a whole, while increasingly attentive to these issues, lacks education and/or the will to make changes in behavior that have been made (or forced) in other states.   

There was some debate over the tension between allowing market forces to control versus using government revenues and/or mandates to speed things along.  Politics aside, great ideas flowed and opportunities are clearly here in the Hoosier state.  The challenge is how to bring resources, education and the will to accomplish the possibilities, but we seem to be on the right track.