Governor taps Indy councilor for state utility commission
Josh Bain resigned from his Indianapolis city-county council seat to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, an appointment announced by Gov. Mike Braun. Bain's appointment has drawn criticism from local activists like Protect Decatur Township, who cite his neutral stance on a large Sabey Data Centers project in his former district that was ultimately approved despite significant local opposition and high energy consumption.
Governor Mike Braun has appointed Josh Bain, a former Indianapolis city-county councilor representing Decatur Township and executive director for legislative affairs at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). The IURC is a five-member body responsible for approving or denying rate increases for utility companies. Bain replaces Andy Zay, who was fired after attracting scrutiny for voting in favor of an AES Indiana rate increase.
Bain's appointment, announced on August 6, has been praised by fellow Republican councilors for his experience in energy policy and environmental stewardship. However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from local advocacy groups, particularly Protect Decatur Township. Ashley Hooley, an organizer for the group, expressed concern over Bain's new role, citing his perceived neutrality on an unpopular Sabey Data Centers hyperscale project in his former district.
The Sabey Data Centers project, covering an area equivalent to 18 football fields, requires 250 megawatts of power, enough to supply over 100,000 homes. Despite significant local opposition, the project was ultimately approved. Hooley stated that the community felt Bain did not represent their interests, though she acknowledged a sense of relief that he is no longer representing Decatur Township, albeit in a "promotion" to a higher-paying state role. The Marion County Republican Party will hold a caucus to select Bain's replacement on the city-county council.