Indiana has the tools to be a leader in renewable energy.

That was the message Monday from Congressman Joe Donnelly in South Bend.

The second annual Economic and Energy Summit was held Monday morning at the Center for History.

With a panel of local business owners, Donnelly talked about strengthening our economy through energy.

He says the focus needs to be on wind, solar, and hydrogen power.

"Right now, we send 700 billion dollars a year overseas to buy energy. If that money was invested right here in Indiana, our unemployment would be much, much lower, and we'd have a whole group of new jobs here in our community," explained Donnelly.

He thinks the U.S. also needs to look at more drilling in the states to put any type of dent in the energy crisis.