The partnership includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, whose economies are dominated by agriculture and heavy industry such as steel and automobile manufacturing.

Faculty behind the effort pointed out that other universities, including the University of Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, have already developed divestment plans. According to Purdue’s Director of Investments, the university has only a small percent of its investments in the energy sector.

The group, Sunrise Bloomington, hopes IU Foundation board members will put the issue on their agenda this week.

The author of the bill, Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Logansport) said banks in favor of clean energy are "discriminating against" Indiana businesses by choosing not to lend to or invest in coal, oil, and natural gas companies.

The group plans to hold a series of town hall meetings between Biden officials and the top coal communities, which include areas in Indiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.