Renewable Energy Day (RED) at the Indiana Statehouse on January 20, 2026, was a huge success!
The event was covered by multiple news agencies, helping to boost the impact of the event. The 7th year of the annual event held by Earth Charter Indiana and Solar United Neighbors drew a multitude of sponsors, including the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter. Attendees were also treated to multiple speakers.
What is Renewable Energy Day?
RED focuses on education about energy legislation, and encouraging public advocacy.
Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Director, Robyn Skuya-Boss: “It is an absolute joy being at the Capitol with an incredible community of advocates tirelessly working to shape a clean energy future for Indiana! Renewable Energy Day leaves me feeling inspired every year.”
Indiana Beyond Coal’s Nicole Chandler spoke at the podium to update folks on action they can take around Trump's illegal use of 202c orders to keep failing coal plants online (sign the petition at sc.org/INcoalorders).
Indiana Beyond Coal Organizer Nicole Chandler: “At Renewable Energy Day the Sierra Club called on Governor Braun and Attorney General Rokita to challenge Trump’s sham 202c orders, forcing aging coal plants to stay online despite retirement plans for 2025. These costs will be passed on to everyday Hoosiers, furthering the energy affordability crisis in our state. Together, we are calling for tangible action to protect Hoosiers.”
Please see some of the key legislation being considered at the 2026 session:
HB 1002 This electric utility affordability bill would require electric utilities to make access to electricity more affordable for low-income rate-payers.
SB 240 This bill requires utility companies to study new infrastructure options for the future of energy production and supply.
SB 196 This bill encourages energy-generating resources, such as smaller solar projects, closer to consumers.
SB 74 and HB 1084 These twin bills allow for plug-in solar programs in Indiana.
Why is Renewable Energy Day important?
Good question! Advocacy days at the Statehouse generally happen in January and February each year, overlapping with the legislative session. This is by design! Advocacy days collect like-minded folk to one place on one day, allowing networking and information exchange while at the same time making an impression on legislators present in the Statehouse during their legislative decision-making session.
Strong turnout at Renewable Energy Day sends a message to our legislators that Hoosiers care about renewable energy. The greater the attendance the greater the impact! During the legislative session advocates also meet with legislators to draw attention to particular bills, such as those listed above, and to ask representatives to support or deny bills, or to sponsor legislation in future sessions. But this only happens with public participation, which is where you come in! If you are interested in learning more about renewable energy and protecting the environment, please reach out to Colleen Curtin (colleen.curtin@sierraclub.org) at the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter!
Jennifer Ehara
Winding Waters Group Executive Committee
and Hoosier Chapter Sierra Club Communications Team
Join us at the following Statehouse days!
Tue, Feb 3, 2026; 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Eastern)
Conservation Day at the Statehouse
Indianapolis, IN
Mon, Feb 9, 2026; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Eastern)
Indiana Water Stewardship Day at the Statehouse
Indianapolis, IN