Pence: Importance of energy policy to new jobs

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence is calling for more innovation on energy sources, improved transmission infrastructure and a renewed focus on nuclear energy.

Pence also told state energy industry leaders gathered Tuesday at the Indiana Conference on Energy Management that the state should seek private partnerships to build more lodging in state parks.

The congressman also said he is heard from groups involved in the proposed $2.9 billion Rockport coal gasification plant but won't decide whether to support the project until after the election.

Pence repeated attacks against new regulations sought by the Obama administration which would hit Indiana's coal industry. But he found unlikely solidarity with the White House for nuclear "small modular reactors." The federal Energy Department is spending $500 million on the new technology.