Indiana Energy Secretary Suzanne “Suzie” Jaworowski raised the stakes – and a few eyebrows – at today’s Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute annual meeting, where the focus was on the state’s long-term energy needs.
Jaworowski warned that local government moratoriums on energy projects are not only stalling development but are also creating a reputation that discourages industry investment in Indiana. She cited examples where communities engaged with developers for years, only to change local rules late in the process, leaving companies with significant sunk costs and no project to show for it.
“Personally, I think that those companies should start suing the communities and get serious about it,” Jaworowski said, suggesting litigation may be one way to address the problem until the legislature acts.
As an interim step, her office and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation are working to produce a statewide map identifying “yes counties” – communities that have passed resolutions affirming they are open to energy and industrial development. The goal, she said, is to direct investment toward willing partners and reduce costly delays.
Jaworowski also highlighted Indiana’s upcoming Global Nuclear Energy and Economic Summit in November, hosted in partnership with Governor Mike Braun and Purdue University. The event will feature international agreements, announcements on nuclear deployment, and a siting center with pre-evaluated locations for small modular reactors and other energy projects.
“Our goal is to court industries that want to be in counties that are ready to move forward,” Jaworowski told attendees.
