Indiana Conservation Voters statement on Gov. Braun signing House Bill 1002
The following statement can be attributed to Delaney Barber Kwon, Government Affairs Director for Indiana Conservation Voters:
“Indiana Conservation Voters thanks Representative Shonkwiler, the General Assembly and Gov. Braun for taking a meaningful step toward protecting vulnerable Hoosiers from soaring utility costs. By codifying summer shutoff protections and mandating low-income assistance programs, House Bill 1002 provides an important safety net.
“Those parts of this bill will provide quicker relief to low-income ratepayers. Other components will need to be fully implemented to determine how they will affect rates and how affordability and resiliency will be weighted.
“ICV was proud to partner in December with Citizens Action Coalition to release the Help Hoosiers Now: Ratepayer Relief Plan, a roadmap for lawmakers and the Governor to begin bringing much-needed relief to Hoosiers.
“Today, we celebrate progress while recognizing that making energy affordable for all Hoosiers is work that’s far from finished. While HB 1002 tackles some symptoms of our energy crisis, there is much more we can and should do to address the root causes—including the need for energy efficiency standards, energy permitting reform and a transition to lower-cost, renewable resources.
“This victory lays a strong foundation for a more equitable and sustainable energy future for every Indiana ratepayer.”
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Indiana Conservation Voters is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to advancing clean air, clean water and clean, reliable energy for all Hoosiers through public engagement and strong policy.
