Their sneakers sidling between legislators in heels and ties, scores of kids from across the state descended on the Indiana Statehouse Tuesday afternoon.

Some learned how to write letters to their representatives, others spoke from a podium and still more were there to support legislation. But overall, the roughly 150 students came to the state capitol for one reason: to plead with lawmakers to adopt climate-positive actions.

"Bold, transformative action is essential to the global climate effort," said Vernice Riego, a Hamilton Southeastern High School senior. "With that being said, can I have my future back?”

Democratic Representative Carey Hamilton co-hosted the event with Earth Charter Indiana, an organization that works to empower youth to talk about climate change.

Hamilton echoed the students' concerns and spoke on four proposed climate actions, which include one resolution and three House bills.

Legislation on the line

First, Hamilton announced a House resolution to reduce carbon emissions and build climate resiliency.

The resolution would establish a bipartisan task force, which she said would release recommendations for a renewable energy target, boosting clean energy use and more goals by December of this year.

She also advocated for three environmentally focused bills she authored this session.

The first, House Bill 1227, would repeal supplemental fees that vehicle buyers payto register a hybrid or electric vehicle — in Indiana, these fees run $50 to $150 yearly.

The idea behind the fee is to allow states to make up any revenue lost from state taxes on fuel, of which electric or hybrid vehicle drivers are using less or none. But some argue that this fee discourages use of electric or hybrid vehicles.

"(This bill) sends a signal that Indiana cares, that the legislature cares about improving our air quality and reducing carbon emissions in our state," Hamilton said at the event.

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Hamilton also authored HB 1228 and HB 1415. The first would reinstate net metering, which acts as an incentive for people to install solar panels and was voted out of practice against by state lawmakers three years ago.

HB 1415 addresses regulated drains, which act as drainage ditches for Indiana's wetlands. The bill would give county surveyors the power to classify a regulated drain as in need of reconstruction or maintenance — the bill argues this could improve the drain's environmental effects and reduce flooding.

None of the three bills have been heard or scheduled to be heard in committee, but Hamilton, whose district encompasses Washington Township and Castleton in Indianapolis, said it's important to continue advocating for action.

Hamilton also spoke against HB 1414, also referred to as the "coal bailout" bill. The bill could keep Indiana reliant on coal for longer and slow movement toward renewable energysources and natural gas.

"(This bill) will increase energy costs and pollution … while hindering the expansion of cleaner, cheaper renewables. We have to stop this bill," Hamilton said. "Indiana, we’re moving backwards. This is not OK.”

An 'ebullient' day for kids

During the event, kids were taught how to write and deliver letters to their representatives and some met with state legislators, said Jim Poyser, executive director of Earth Charter Indiana.

Although kids with the organization have met with legislators at the statehouse before, Poyser said, Tuesday was the first full official Youth Climate Action Day the organization has ever held.

When asked to describe the day's event, Poyser said the word "ebullient" came to mind.

"Nothing makes me happier than when I give kids the opportunity to meet elected officials and other professionals to voice their concerns about the climate crisis," Poyser said. "Our organization's mission is to get kids inside the doors of power so that elected leaders can actually see firsthand how concerned kids are about their futures due to the climate emergency.”

Children came to Indianapolis from all parts of the state, Poyser said, from Gary to Fort Wayne to Bloomington.

Cooper Tinsley, a sophomore at Westfield High School, spoke in favor of Hamilton's proposals at the event. Without action, he said, he fears the entire state of Indiana, the nation and the world are at great risk.

“We will have to make the switch at some point in time," Tinsley said, "So why not start now and reap the benefits?”

Contact IndyStar reporter London Gibson at 317-444-6043 or lbgibson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @londongibson.

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IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.