Environmental activists from across Indiana presented more than 1,300 petitions to Governor Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita, urging them to oppose a federal “emergency energy order” that mandates continued operation of coal-burning units at two power plants operated by NIPSCO and Centerpoint. The order prevents the retirement of facilities at the Schahfer and Culley plants that had been scheduled to cease operations in December 2025.
Activists contend that the order will increase costs for Indiana residents already facing affordability challenges. According to campaign organizers, NIPSCO is seeking customer payments of $38 million to cover the first three months of extended operations under the federal order, with $2.8 million designated for executive compensation. The Schahfer facility has been unable to operate since the orders took effect, yet remains subject to the extended operating requirement.
Critics emphasize the burden on ratepayers, noting that Indiana residents already pay among the highest energy costs in the state. Local residents from affected areas highlight additional concerns about environmental and health impacts. Residents in Jasper County, where one facility is located, point to cumulative stresses from the coal plant, a nearby gas facility, and a data center at the same location, citing issues including water depletion, air pollution, and farmland degradation.
Activists are calling on state leadership to legally challenge what they characterize as unlawful federal directives. Campaign representatives argue that residents and neighboring states should not bear responsibility for federal efforts to restart coal operations, and that the order conflicts with the interests of ratepayers already facing high energy expenses.
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