Michigan City Sustainability Commission members discussed community-solar advocacy and a Northwest Indiana regional climate-action planning effort during their Oct. 9 meeting.

Commissioners encouraged residents to sign up with Solar United Neighbors and Faith & Place education efforts to support community solar installations and legislative action. Nancy Boltenauer told the commission that community solar remains illegal in Indiana under a prior state law; organizers at the Climate Leadership Summit 10 reported they hope to introduce a bill as early as January or February (2026) to allow community solar again. Commissioners said Solar United Neighbors provides online workshops and legislative alerts for residents who wish to participate.

The commission also discussed a regional climate-action planning effort for Lake, Porter and La Porte counties. Members said Earth Charter Indiana is concentrating on regional efforts rather than statewide gatherings, and that Kathy Sippel has committed to convene meetings in Northwest Indiana, possibly in Michigan City, to craft a plan specific to the region. Commissioner Julie Smith said she serves as the commission's representative to the NIRPC environment committee and will continue to coordinate local participation.

Commissioners asked for a local list of certified sites such as Friendship Gardens (which commissioners confirmed is certified and displays a plaque) and said a standalone Northwest Indiana climate-action plan would better serve local planning than waiting on broader Chicago-region efforts.