North Indy News

Hunter Smith, a candidate for District 24 seat in the Indiana State House, was named a Champion for Clean Energy by the Conservatives for a Clean Energy Future (CCEF).

Smith was designated as a 2024 Champion for Clean Energy by an August 12 press release from CCEF. This title is awarded to individuals who "have shown exceptional leadership in promoting policies that not only address energy production and consumption challenges but also ensure economic growth and national security. These champions are pivotal to shaping a policy environment conducive to innovation and responsible environmental stewardship."

According to their website, the CCEF "works with policymakers and stakeholders across the nation to promote policies that secure affordable, reliable, and increasingly efficient and clean energy." The CCEF advocates for "commonsense, market-driven energy policies" that will help to create jobs and lower energy costs for consumers. 

If elected, Smith plans to place a special emphasis on environmental stewardship, which he believes should be a higher priority for both major parties, according to a December 2023 report from Current Publishing. 

"I don’t believe that either party actually values the environment," Smith said. "In spots, the parties value profitable enterprises that stem from an environmental message. And I reject that. I don’t mean to be an idealist, but I do in a sense believe we do have some say in the political [sector] regarding the environment and best uses of agriculture.”

Smith told the Indiana Capital Chronicle in December 2023 that both parties lack meaningful ideas and policies that will lead to cleaner air and better energy sources and that, as a farmer who places a priority on conservation, food, and responsible agriculture, he believes that "the real issue is how humans relate to natural landscapes.” 

Smith is running against Democrat Josh Lowry. The seat is currently held by Republican Donna Schaibley who is retiring after representing the district since 2014.