Burton reacts to IURC Energy Affordability Report release

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications, released the following statement in response to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission publishing its IURC Energy Affordability Report this morning:

"Hoosier households cannot wait for another legislative session holding our breath and keep our fingers crossed for potential actions. There needs to be swift, yet responsible actions that directly relieve wallets and pocketbooks now. The Braun administration says that it wants to lower utility costs. It’s time for the rubber to meet the road.

"We’re in a moment that must be met with more than words, plans or promises. For nearly a year, Hoosiers have been consistently vocal in advocating for energy relief, but very little has been done to put ratepayers first. This time around, Hoosiers are refusing to be lullabied and distracted away from addressing our energy cost burden. This inequity has festered long enough. 

"My aim and focus are on delivering responsible policies for Hoosiers that directly lead to more money in wallets and pocketbooks. I was encouraged to see some of my proposals and suggestions included on the list of action items. We must get there and I will continue to do all I can to improve outcomes for households. Specifically, Southwest Indiana has been overburdened for more than a decade. This remains an urgent matter. Hoosiers are ready for the state to deliver affordable energy to Hoosier households, maintain a strong (and reliable) grid and responsibly bring all forms of energy online."

Burton issues statement on additional Natural Resource Commissioners resigning

Yesterday, the public learned that two more Natural Resource Commission members have resigned from the commission. This follows the resignation of two commissioners in June. Three of the four now-former commissioners have cited a disregard for public input from Department of Natural Resources leadership in their resignations.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement on the additional resignations:

"The latest developments out of the Natural Resources Commission further reinforce the public’s ongoing concern for the future of natural resources in our state. Since the previous resignations, DNR has not shown any urgency that it is working to include the knowledgeable citizens on the commission in its rule-making process, as it did in past governors' administrations.

"It is clear that the best interests of Hoosiers and our precious resources are not a priority. Choosing to push through administrative rules as fast as possible was intentional. Ushering in chaos and confusion does not best serve Hoosiers. It serves perfectly for a hidden agenda similar to what has already happened with IDEM. This is alarming. Transparency is important, yet the current administration is pushing a closed-door agenda that calls into question their commitment to the well-being of Hoosiers, our lands, our waters and our wildlife. 

"I urge Gov. Mike Braun and DNR Director Alan Morrison to change course and take the concerns of our citizen leaders seriously."

Burton comments on Natural Resources Commission resignations, Highlights lack of transparency in Executive Branch

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the recent announcement that two members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, including its 20-year chair, resigned, citing the Braun administration's sidelining of citizen input and erosion of transparency at the Department of Natural Resources:

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"When the most experienced public servants in our state walk out the door because their voices, and the public's voice, no longer count, every Hoosier should pay attention. These weren't partisans. They were people who spent decades protecting our land, our water and our way of life. They left because the door to public input is being slammed shut.

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"This is the same top-down, shut-the-people-out approach we've watched take over Washington, D.C., and now it's taking root right here in Indiana. Hoosiers want affordable energy, protected farmland and an economy that puts our households first. None of that happens when decisions get made behind closed doors.

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"Hoosiers deserve a government that works for them, not one that silences the very people it's supposed to serve. Every day we tolerate this, is a day we fall further behind on delivering real results for Indiana families.

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"If watching decades of public servants resign in protest doesn't alarm my colleagues about how broken the executive branch has become, then I have to ask: what will?"

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Indiana legislature to study high school NIL policy this summer

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) announced that a Summer Study Committee has been approved to examine the potential impacts of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy at the high school level in Indiana.

The study, requested by Representatives Burton, Tonya Pfaff and Wendy Dant Chesser, will bring together parents, former students, coaches, athletic directors, superintendents and the general public to fully examine the opportunity.

"This is about responsible implementation that prioritizes a high school diploma and college preparedness," Burton said. "Before we make any decisions, Indiana deserves a thorough, honest conversation about what high school NIL could mean for our students, our schools, and the future of high school extracurricular activities. By exploring and possibly enacting, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation on thoughtful, student-centered NIL policy."

The committee will explore key questions around academic performance, school transfers, equity across public, charter and private schools, and how NIL could be structured to prioritize long-term student success over short-term financial gain.

Indiana joins a growing number of states taking a closer look at NIL at the high school level. The Summer Study process allows legislators and stakeholders to gather information and hear directly from Hoosiers before any formal action is taken.

Public input opportunities will be announced as the committee schedule is finalized.

Burton celebrates ceremonial signing of HEA 1307

Today, April 22, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) joined Gov. Mike Braun and other stakeholders for the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1307 – legislation requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s Office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child’s physical or mental health and safety.

The Ombudsman’s office was established to serve as an independent oversight agency over DCS. HEA 1307 strengthens that mandate by ensuring the office fulfills its oversight role when children’s well-being may be at risk – including children already in the DCS system.

Burton released the following statement on the ceremonial signing:

“This legislation was a direct result of families in Evansville coming to me with similar concerns – feeling unheard and unprotected by the very system meant to help them. With this law, families now have a stronger advocate in their corner and a clearer path to accountability within DCS. My aim is to cultivate Hoosier youth from birth through high school graduation, and this bill is just the start of what's to come.”

Burton: ‘An $18 million price tag to operate an insufficient coal plant is completely irresponsible’

Today, April 16, the Citizens Action Coalition released a statement revealing a prior request from Centerpoint Energy to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging the federal government to not reissue an emergency order on a costly coal plant, Culley Unit 2, located in Southwest Indiana.

The U.S. DOE disregarded CenterPoint's pleas, as another order was issued on March 23, 2026, to keep the unit open through at least June 21, 2026.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a member of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, issued the following statement on the U.S. DOE's decision to reissue an emergency order:

"Energy costs in Indiana is the leading issue many Hoosiers are facing right now. This decision by the DOE reaffirms that the current strategy at the federal level is costly and negatively impacting Hoosier bank accounts.

"Indiana's energy policy is dependent upon the leadership in D.C. and unfortunately, a misguided and false narrative led to a costly, inefficient and unreliable emergency order to go into effect – completely ignoring CenterPoint's concerns, input from MISO and NERC's assessment. CenterPoint communicated the necessary information clearly, yet they were still ignored.

"An $18 million price tag on an inoperable energy source is completely irresponsible. And is a slap to the face to Hoosier taxpayers as energy costs continue to rise and put even more financial hardship on working Hoosier families.

"Hoosiers want relief, yet the current administration in D.C. is focused on manufactured chaos rather than strategic policies aimed at reducing monthly energy bills, increasing domestic energy generation and improving overall energy reliability.

"This decision was made at the expense of Hoosiers' hard-earned dollars. The federal government claims to put America first, but our energy bills, health, and economy are jeopardized. Our best interests were ignored. This administration is claiming victory at the expense of Hoosier ratepayers – they can and must do better."

Burton comments on ceremonial bill signings

Today, April 14, Gov. Braun held ceremonial signings for Senate Enrolled Act 240 and House Enrolled Act 1098. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), a co-author of HEA 1098, issued the following statement on the legislation:

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“Senate Enrolled Act 240 takes an important step toward greater transparency by requiring energy utilities to analyze and report their available surplus interconnection service. This information is critical for our energy utilities, industry partners and potential economic investors as they work to understand Indiana’s transmission capacity and plan for future energy generation.”

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Burton also emphasized the impact of House Enrolled Act 1098 as the state moves forward with implementing apprenticeships, expanding work-based learning programs and adopting new high school diploma standards.

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“One of the most pressing issues facing Indiana is ensuring young Hoosiers are exposed to a wide range of career pathways and have real access to those opportunities,” Burton said. “As these new standards take shape, I look forward to industries stepping up to support students and provide the hands-on experience they need to explore and define their futures.”

Southwest Indiana residents sound alarm on energy costs: Burton survey results

Ahead of tonight’s Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission field hearing in Evansville, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) is releasing the results of his community utility survey, which drew 1,195 responses from Southwest Indiana residents.

Burton released the following statement on the results:

“The data paints a clear picture that energy costs are not just inconvenient, they are unsustainable. The results confirm what I’ve been hearing at every door, every town hall and every community event. Nearly 1,200 of our neighbors took the time to tell us exactly what they’re experiencing, and tonight I’m bringing their voices into that room.”

Survey Results Breakdown:

What are residents saying?

• Nearly half of respondents - 47.6% - reported their highest bill in the past 12 months exceeded $500, with 6.6% reporting bills over $1,000.

• 78.1% of residents said they do not feel confident they can reach a utility representative to answer questions about their bill.

• More than two-thirds of households - 67.3% - experienced power outages two or more times in the past 12 months due to weather.

What do residents want?

• 90% support pausing rate increases.

• 93% believe the IURC should hold annual hearings in each investor-owned utility territory.

• 64.4% support at least one annual sales tax exemption on utility bills, with an additional 29.3% open to the idea.

The IURC field hearing will be held this evening, April 7, at the Old National Events Plaza from 6-8 p.m. CST. 

Burton encourages all Southwest Indiana residents to attend and testify. "The IURC needs to hear from you directly - not just from utility companies. Tonight is your opportunity to put a face and a voice to these numbers. Please come out."

Burton is urging the IURC and his colleagues in the legislature to act on the data with concrete solutions, including:

• A moratorium on all rate increases

• An annual sales tax exemption on utility bills

• Annual IURC field hearings in every investor-owned utility territory

• Tools and technologies that empower families to monitor and manage their energy usage

• Incentives for counties generating energy from the most affordable sources, aligned with Indiana's energy policy goals

"HEA 1002 was a start, but it cannot be the finish line. The people of Southwest Indiana have waited long enough. This data is going directly to the IURC and to my colleagues in the Statehouse - and I will keep pushing until we see real relief."

Survey results and resident comments will be shared with the IURC and members of the Indiana General Assembly for use in shaping future legislation.

Burton comments on ceremonial signing of HEA 1002

Today, April 6, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1002, utility reform legislation he co-authored during the 2026 legislative session. HEA 1002 regulates electric utilities and establishes performance-based ratemaking in Indiana.

"For too long, Southwest Indiana families have felt helpless watching their utility bills climb with no relief in sight. Today's signing of HEA 1002 is a meaningful step toward prioritizing ratepayers over profits and bringing greater accountability to the process. I was proud to help craft this legislation, and I'll keep pushing for policies that make energy rates more affordable, more stable and more fair for every Hoosier."

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Burton is also urging residents to attend tomorrow's Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission listening session in Evansville, where commissioners will hear directly from the public on energy affordability.

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When: Tuesday, April 7 | 6-8 p.m. CST 

Where: Old National Events Plaza (715 Locust St., Evansville, IN 47708)

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Additionally, Burton is asking constituents to complete his Utilities and Energy Cost Questionnaire Survey. Responses will be shared directly with the IURC and used to inform future legislation.

"Your voice matters in this process. Please come to tomorrow's hearing, and please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. The more data we have, the stronger the case we can make on your behalf.”

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Burton outlines accountability plan amid IURC hearings

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Last week, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced a listening session series throughout the state, following an investigative inquiry on March 24. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers are begging for actions that result in affordable energy rates. I'm focused on ushering in long-term solutions that result in reducing the monthly anxiety for Hoosiers across Indiana. The future of energy in Indiana is not a partisan issue, but it directly impacts urban, rural and suburban communities equally. I will continue to be a reasonable voice focused on delivering positive outcomes for ratepayers. These high bills are unfairly overburdening working and aging Hoosiers across the state.

"I fully understand that we are in a period of energy transition, but this transition must be incredibly responsible, transparent, equitable and fair. Following today's hearing, I will send a letter to each Commissioner of the IURC, Secretary Jaworowski and Gov. Braun to urge them to:

1. Explore enacting a moratorium on all rate increases

2. One or two months of a sales tax exemptions – annually

3. Incentivize counties that generate energy and/or large load projects focusing on cheapest sources of energy as part of Indiana's 'all of the above' energy approach that contribute and align to Indiana's energy policy goals, which are reliability, resilience, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability

4. Explore tools and technologies that would allow families to monitor or regulate usage that leads to a more manageable bill

"The legislature got the ball rolling with House Enrolled Act 1002, but this should only be the start. The common Hoosier is incredibly frustrated and wants immediate action by the IURC and/or the Braun administration. With so much global instability, this is a time for us to reinforce our energy independence. Hoosiers deserve to have our interests heard followed by swift actions. Many families and local businesses are struggling, which directly puts local communities in harm's way. Energy costs are a threat to Indiana's brightest future."

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Burton encourages constituents to attend IURC public hearing

On Tuesday, April 7, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will host a public hearing from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Exhibit Hall B at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. Customers will be able to hear directly from IURC officials and share their input and how high utility rates have impacted them and their families.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement regarding the public hearing:

"I'm looking forward to welcoming the IURC and Chairman Andy Zay to Evansville. Our energy costs have been burdensome for more than a decade, and they are negatively impacting our local economy. I'm a proud partner with the IURC, my colleagues in the legislature and the Braun administration to find long-term solutions that result in affordable energy bills, reliable energy delivery and strategic investments that shape energy policy for decades to come.

"Actions came out of the 2026 legislative session, and now the IURC wants to hear directly from customers. It is my hope that more actions materialize from their visit to Evansville for the sake of families in our community. This event will give an overview to changes happening in Indianapolis, but more importantly, it's an opportunity for our community to be heard, respectfully."

For more information on the public hearing, click here.

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Burton comments on IURC announcement to investigate five major utility companies in Indiana

Today, Feb. 25, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s announcement that it will investigate the five major utility companies in Indiana:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of months of concerns raised by Hoosiers across the state. Rising energy costs are putting real pressure on families, which in turn is driving action in the legislature and at the IURC. This is one of several efforts with bipartisan support, and it is encouraging to see that alignment focused on addressing energy costs.

“The IURC Chairman has announced a statewide tour, and I am preparing for his visit to Evansville. I look forward to hosting him locally and continuing intentional conversations with community members to identify solutions that are affordable, reasonable and sustainable.

“This legislative session has reinforced my commitment to serve on the Utilities Committee. There is more work ahead, but meaningful steps are underway to address Hoosiers’ concerns about rising energy costs.”