Advocates split over Indiana executive orders on coal and energy
Energy advocates have spent the past few weeks getting acclimated to recent executive orders from the Braun administration targeting energy production in the state of Indiana.
We spoke with two different advocacy groups—one that supports the orders and one that does not.
Just last month, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed three executive orders aimed at increasing energy production in Indiana. The goal is to boost in-state energy supply and lower rates for consumers.
One executive order in particular has generated statewide conversation. The order aims to extend the life of coal-powered energy plants in the state.
Just weeks earlier, President Donald Trump signed a similar executive order.
One energy advocacy group says it is encouraging to see the Braun administration team up with the White House to tackle the issue head-on.
“To see Governor Braun make his announcement a few days after Trump, I think that really goes to show that our governor is working closely with the Trump administration, to really prioritize how do we really grow America, while we keep our rates affordable,” said Savannah Kerstiens, president of Reliable Energy.
Kerstiens says it costs a lot of money to build new energy plants and to create infrastructure for newer energy sources. She claims keeping coal-powered plants open longer could cut down on overhead costs, which eventually get passed on to consumers.
But not everyone agrees.
Kerwin Olson with the Citizens Action Coalition worries that Wall Street had too much influence on the executive orders and that cleaner energy sources are the better option moving forward.
“The executive orders from our perspective were brought to you by the coal industry. There is no question in our mind that there is an initiative and an effort, a belief that we need to continue burning coal in Indiana, and those executive orders are collectively skeptical, and not in support of renewable energy,” Olson said.
A recent report from the Midcontinent Systems Operator detailed the continued need for energy production in Indiana.
We are working to review that report and will follow up on this story.
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