Indiana Governor Braun has issued an executive order aimed at keeping coal-fired power plants operational as major technology companies propose new artificial intelligence data center projects throughout the state. The directive instructs the state’s Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources to identify opportunities for either reactivating closed coal facilities or blocking the scheduled retirement of existing coal plants.
This action comes following decisions by the Trump Administration to maintain two coal plants in operational status. The Culley and Schahfer coal plants were subject to federal orders requiring their continued operation, despite significant challenges. Both Schahfer coal units are non-functional, and CenterPoint Energy, the utility company operating the Culley facility, had formally requested that the U.S. Department of Energy decline to extend the emergency order, citing concerns about the substantial costs required to maintain what it characterized as an inefficient and unreliable asset.
Opposition to the governor’s initiative has emerged from environmental advocates. The Hoosier Chapter of a clean energy organization released a statement questioning the decision, suggesting that communities throughout Indiana have voiced concerns about data center development in their areas. The statement raised questions about the financial implications for residents, asking whether the long-term expenses associated with rehabilitating and maintaining coal units had been thoroughly examined before determining that preventing coal retirements served the public interest. The organization characterized the governor’s position as favoring both technology companies and the coal industry without adequately considering potential impacts on Indiana residents’ utility costs.
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