In order to ensure that utilities are able to meet the energy demands of their customer base, it is necessary for utilities to maintain an “All of the Above” generation portfolio to provide the reliability and resiliency needed of an electric system. more »
As chair of the Indiana Senate Committee on Utilities and a former member of the 21st Century Energy Task Force, I’ve spent much of my legislative career guiding our state’s energy policies. Indiana is now at a crossroads in energy policy development. Now is the time to advance energy policies that lead Indiana toward a more sustainable and cost-effective energy future. A key component of this new direction lies in the increased use of self-generated energy. more »
State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) shares his thoughts on environmental progress in Indiana more »
Congress and the United States Department of the Treasury need to clarify the CARES Act guidelines so states can freely use funding for rural broadband. Flexibility granted from the federal level should empower our governor to act and fund for broadband improvements. more »
The Indiana Meat Packers & Processors Association (IMPPA) recently sent me a letter in hopes of garnering support for their efforts to attain $90 million in CARES Act funding for expansion purposes. more »
When we were faced with going virtual in March, our lives became more reliant on the internet and technology. Some recent numbers on Hoosiers' use of telehealth show just how important connectivity has become. more »
State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) announced five rural broadband projects were awarded grant funding to improve internet service in Senate District 47, as part of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. more »
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 9, 2020) — Three rural broadband projects to improve internet service in Senate District 27 were recently awarded funding through the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond). more »
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 4, 2020) — Six rural broadband projects to improve internet service in Senate District 43 were recently awarded funding through the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Chip Perfect (R-Lawrenceburg). more »
