Hamilton hosts first Youth Climate Action Day at Indiana Statehouse, rolls out climate action proposals

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) will host the first-ever Youth Climate Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 from noon until 3 p.m. on the second floor in the North Atrium. During a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m., Hamilton will unveil details of her climate action resolution and three climate action legislative proposals for this session.

“The purpose of this event is to provide tangible actions that we can take now at the Statehouse to address climate change,” said Hamilton. “In addition, this event will give youth climate leaders a voice at the Statehouse while legislators are in session.

“I have been inspired by youth climate leaders across our state and wanted to put together an event to lift up their ideas and let them know that I’m doing my small part as a state representative to hand off a planet where they can breathe the air, drink the water and live without fear of the next big natural disaster. Our children should be able to live in a state that embraces renewable energy as part of a thriving, sustainable economy,” she continued.

“I hope all of my colleagues take the time to meet with these student leaders when they visit the Statehouse and I hope they will seriously consider the climate action proposals that I’ve introduced this session.”

Hamilton’s climate action proposals include:

• House Resolution concerning the protection and conservation of Indiana’s natural resources.
• House Bill 1227  would repeal the supplemental fee to register an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• House Bill 1228 would restore net metering for renewable energy, eliminating the roll backs in 2017’s Senate Enrolled Act 309.
• House Bill 1415  would help communities across Indiana build climate resiliency by facilitating investments in storm water management. This bill authorizes a county surveyor to use best management practices for regulated drains in certain circumstances.

Event schedule:

• Youth Climate Action Day Welcome (12 p.m.)
• Brown bag lunch and cookie bar (12:10 p.m.)
• Press conference (1 p.m.)
• House session begins (1:30 p.m.)
• Rep. Hamilton delivers Climate Action Resolution (1:40 p.m., approx.)  
• Lesson on how to write a letter to your state legislator (2:00 p.m.)
• Students watch part of the legislative session on the House floor (2:30 p.m.)

Press conference run-of-show:

• Carey Hamilton, State Representative, IN House District 87
• Jim Poyser, Executive Director of Earth Charter
• Martha Abaddi, High School Senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, Fishers, IN
• Vernice Riego, High School Senior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, Fishers, IN
• Cooper Tinsley, High School Sophomore at Westfield High School, Westfield, IN
• Media Q&A

Hamilton has been a strong supporter of climate action since before representing Indiana House District 87 in the Indiana General Assembly as a nonprofit executive and experience in the environmental field for 20+ years. During that time she has managed several policy development initiatives and public outreach programs.

As the Executive Director of the Indiana Recycling Coalition (2008-2018), Hamilton more than tripled the organization's budget which allowed the IRC to grow its staff and better serve its mission. In early 2009, she led the IRC's statehouse legislative campaign that culminated in the passage of Indiana’s electronics recycling law.

Under her leadership, the IRC brought together an industry stakeholder group which sought to find common ground to advance recycling in Indiana. This IRC-led industry coalition effectively advocated for new recycling funding and policies during the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions.

From 1995-2000, Hamilton spearheaded the State of Indiana Partners for Clean Air Program, directed the State of Indiana Recycling Program and led the development of Indiana’s Greening the Government Program.

From 2001-2003, she worked as the Energy Projects Manager for the City of San Jose, California, and from 2003-2008, she worked as an environmental consultant and policy advocate.

Hamilton is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington. She served as Co-Chair of the Environmental Programs Committee for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee, she is a former board member of Keep America Beautiful, a 2011 graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Program, a 2013 graduate of the Institute for Conservation Leadership Program, a 2017 graduate of the SLLF Emerging Leaders Program and was named one of Forty Under 40 up-and-coming leaders in 2010 by the Indianapolis Business Journal.