Sec. 0.3. The general assembly finds the following:
(1) The development of coal gasification facilities in Indiana that would use local coal resources for the production of substitute natural gas is in the public interest for purposes of:
(A) reducing the reliance of Indiana energy utilities on gas imports;
(B) mitigating price and supply risk;
(C) improving price stability; and
(D) promoting economic development and job creation.
(2) Coal gasification is encouraged by federal policies intended to increase the energy independence of the United States, including through the availability of tax incentives and loan guarantees.
(3) Indiana has the necessary resources and infrastructure suitable for development of coal gasification facilities.
(4) The receipt of federal incentives for the development, construction, and financing of new coal gasification facilities in Indiana will be enhanced by Indiana energy utilities entering into long term contracts for the purchase of substitute natural gas produced by such facilities.
(5) It is necessary to allow Indiana energy utilities to recover, through rate adjustments for the utility's customers, costs incurred from entering into supply contracts for substitute natural gas in order to promote the creation of such contracts without causing Indiana energy utilities to incur undue risk.