1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

I strongly urge you to vote against House Bill 1628 and its companion legislation. These bills would grant sweeping powers to energy and utility companies, effectively stripping local governments of their authority to regulate projects that generate electricity, gases, or water within their jurisdictions. This top-down approach undermines local control and community input, removing critical oversight mechanisms that protect the interests of residents. We cannot allow corporations to bypass crucial permitting processes and environmental safeguards under the guise of promoting development. Local governments must retain the ability to carefully scrutinize proposed projects, ensuring they align with community needs and values while minimizing potential negative impacts. Rubber-stamping approval for any and all energy or utility projects is a reckless overreach that disregards the rights and well-being of the very people you serve. I implore you to stand firm in defense of local autonomy and democratic principles. Reject House Bill 1628 and any measures that concentrate power in the hands of private interests at the expense of the public good. Our communities deserve a voice in shaping their futures, and local control over land use and development decisions is essential to upholding that fundamental right.