A voice for clean energy

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh wants Indiana to be a powerhouse in alternative energy.

On Wednesday, the Indiana Democrat touted his plan to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil at International Truck and Engine Corp., 2911 Meyer Road, which manufactures hybrid vehicles. Company engineers joined Bayh in emphasizing the benefits of alternative, clean-burning fuels such as ethanol for not only the environment but also national security and the state’s economy.

“We need to provide incentives so that Indiana farmers can produce Indiana’s fuel,” Bayh said.

Sen. Evan Bayh, left, talks with V.K. Sharma, director of engineering at International Truck and Engine Corp., on Wednesday. Bayh wants tax incentives for companies that produce clean fuels. Photo: Steve Linsenmayer of The News-Sentinel Bayh said being so dependent on countries such as Venezuela and Iraq puts America at risk and vulnerable to countries such as Iran that are anti-democratic and unstable.

“We are importing more oil into the U.S. than we did prior to 9-11,” said Bayh.

His bill provides tax credits for companies such as International Truck to develop alternative forms of energy less dependent on crude oil. Tax vouchers also would be available to consumers to help offset the difference in cost.

Because Indiana ranked fifth in corn production last year, Bayh wants the state to play a major role in the production of ethanol, which is made from corn.

“Investing in the Midwest, not the East, is the right solution,” said V.K. Sharma, director of engineering for International Truck. “This will bring economic growth to Indiana, and provides the economic blueprint to build Indiana into the new energy economy.”

Mayor Graham Richard, also in attendance Wednesday, touted Fort Wayne as being at the forefront of using alternative energy, citing the city’s purchase of more than 300 biodiesel fuel vehicles.

Bayh’s bill, which likely won’t be voted on before next year, counts on the popularity of alternative fuels rising as more people use them. But Chris Hunt, professor of agriculture and economics at Purdue University, said he has seen alternative energy programs expand before, in the energy crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, only to fall out of favor when the price of crude oil falls.

“It’s a tough issue. What if oil does go back down? (Will) U.S. taxpayers continue to subsidize with billions of dollars every year for higher fuel prices?”

Bayh is optimistic Americans are more concerned with their long-term safety and national security than the short-term fluctuation of crude oil prices. “I think American people will support (the bill).”

For now, however, hybrid vehicles remain a tough sell.

“I have considered a hybrid, but (it) was too expensive,” said Shandra Tassel of Fort Wayne. “I’m waiting for (the price) to go down.”