AIA Indiana Legislative E-Newsletter 

Indiana's Energy Code at Risk!    

Indiana is yet again in danger of not having an Energy Code! The current 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code will expire by the end of the year. The process to re-adopt this code is lengthy and multi-faceted, therefore the Governor Holcomb administration must act quickly.
 
Please send a letter to, which is prefered, or email Governor Eric Holcomb and urge him to support the re-adoption of the 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code by August 15, 2017. See the talking points below that can be included in your letter or email. CLICK HERE to view the letter to Governor Holcomb from AIA Indiana.
 
Mailing Address:                                                       
The Honorable Eric Holcomb
Governor of Indiana
200 W. Washington St., Rm. 206
Indianapolis, IN 46204
 
Email:
CLICK HERE to email Governor Holcomb.
  • Just last year Governor Pence, in one of his final acts in office, granted a 1-year extension of the 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code through Executive Order 16-08 in order to make the re-adoption of this code possible. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Indiana would be the only state in the region (Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan) without an energy code if it's not re-adopted. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • The energy code sets a minimum standard for energy efficiency for buildings that ensures reduced energy usage and reduced utility bills - which puts money back into individuals' and companies' pockets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy cost savings for Indiana resulting from the state maintaining its commercial and residential building energy codes are estimated to be upwards of $240 million annually by 2030. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Considering the uncertainty of long-term energy costs, an energy code better ensures the state is safeguarded against a potentially-devastating economic hardship should energy costs rise considerably. 
  • Low-income Hoosiers spend from 17%-50% of their income on household energy.  Energy codes reduce energy bills and afford low-income Hoosiers a better chance at financial prosperity. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Uninsulated buildings will become legal in the state of Indiana in 2018 if the energy code expires. This would increase the potential for health issues arising from moisture and mold, as well as potential fire hazards resulting from space heaters used to compensate for the uneven temperatures common to uninsulated buildings. 
  • The annual cost of mold-related asthma is $3.5B annually. Energy-efficient homes are less susceptible to mold & moisture-related diseases and are a net public health benefit. CLICK HERE to learn more. 
  • Seventy-nine percent of fatal house fires involve space heaters.  Energy-efficient homes retain heat evenly and reduce the need for space heaters. CLICK HERE to learn more.
  • Indiana's energy codes make our buildings safer and more resilient, which saves Hoosiers money through reduced insurance costs. 
Do not hesitate to contact AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley ( [email protected] or 317-634-6993) if you have any questions or concerns.
Lobbying Basics for Communicating with Your Local Legislators 

*Please contact your state senator and state representative to introduce yourself, unless you already know them. Invite them to tour your firm. Discuss with them the issues that are important to you and your firm. I am sure they will appreciate hearing from you. To contact your legislators, see the information below.
 
House of Representatives - 800/382-9842
State Senate - 800/382-9467
 
AIA Southern Indiana members meeting with Rep Ed Clere (R - New Albany), Sen. Ron Grooms (R - Jeffersonville) and Rep Steve Stemler (D - Jefferonville) at Kovert Hawkins Architects' office in Jeffersonville, IN. 

*Take a personal inventory of how you know legislators with whom you have a personal relationship (political or civic activities, church, business relationships, etc.)
 
*If you are having an open house, or important press release or ribbon cutting event, add your local legislators to the mailing list.
 
*Ask legislators and other elected officials to attend local AIA chapter meetings.
 
*Invite your local legislators to visit your firm.
 
*Invite your local legislator to lunch or coffee.
 
Do not hesitate to contact AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, 317/634-6993 or [email protected] , if you have any questions.
Architects for Indiana Political Action Committee 

Please contribute to the Architects for Indiana Political Action Committee (ARCHPAC).  The importance of our participation in the political process becomes evident each time we must take action to cope with legislative proposals that call for extending the sales tax to services, requiring stock school plans, or providing interior designers stamping privileges!  
 
Please join many of your fellow Hoosier AIA members who have already contributed and write a $50 check today to ARCHPAC and return it to AIA Indiana, 115 W. Washington St., Suite 955 S, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
AIA Indiana | 317-634-6993 | [email protected] | www.aiaindiana.org
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