In The News
Coal Waste Hearings Crucial to Hoosiers
Indiana has more tons of toxic coal ash stored in ponds than any other state. Indiana is also one of several states that don’t require monitoring of these ponds. Ye
t coal ash ponds are known to leach toxic pollution into groundwater. We need to change this!
The EPA is considering two rules for coal ash regulation, but only one will provide true protection by treating coal ash as the toxic waste it is. The EPA is holding seven hearings around the country to hear comments about these alternate rules, including in Chicago and Louisville. Representatives of the corporations that benefit from the lack of regulation will show up at these meetings to say that the weaker rule is sufficient. Hoosiers who want to protect our waters must turn out in large numbers to tell the agency that we need stronger protections.
Please come with us to Chicago or Louisville to attend these hearings. Numbers count! We need to turn out in force to show the EPA that we care about clean water. Click here to learn more.
Bloomington & Lafayette Groups on the Rise
Local Sierra Club members are planning to organize new groups in the greater Bloomington and Lafayette areas. In addition to local activities, these members can assist efforts by activists, including the Sierra Student Coalition, the Hoosier Chapter and national Sierra Club to make sure that our major universities are as progressive as possible on energy and relatd issues. To get involved in these efforts or for more information, email or call the Chapter office (317-822-3750).
Sierra Club appeals Purdue coal power unit permit
The Sierra Club and the Hoosier Environmental Council challenged Purdue University's air permit Thursday (7/29/10) in an appeal that says regulators failed to fully assess how much pollution the project is expected to emit. "We think it is a travesty for a school with Purdue's reputation of engineering excellence to be putting in old coal technology," said Bowden Quinn, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter's conservation program coordinator. Read a news report on this here.
Clean Coal Dream a Costly Nightmare
Chicago Tribune: "Sold on a promise of cheap, clean electricity, dozens of communities in Illinois and eight other Midwest states instead are facing more expensive utility bills after bankrolling a new coal-fired power plant that will be one of the nation's largest sources of climate-change pollution." Read more about Illinois' nightmare in the Trib. The article might be good background as we hear more and more about the cost overruns at Indiana's Edwardsport plant.
Recent News, Events, & Commentary... 
There's so much news, events & commentary of interest that we created a new page that makes it easier to update you. Included is Sierra Club's response to Senator Lugar's energy bill, an upcoming National Security & Clean Energy Roundtable, 2010 Indiana CAFO Watch Conference, and other items. Take a look at the new page here. This page will be updated periodically.
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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter
IDEM Takes Days to Stop Scalding-Hot Discharge
A man's beloved pet was killed when the animal fell into a ditch with scalding-hot water in Stark County. Materna Mint Farm in Hamlet was discharging water (which tested at 190 degrees!) without a permit, but the Indiana Department of Environmental Management took days to make the company cease and desist. When a spill threatens human health and the environment, what does it take for IDEM to treat an emergency situation like an emergency?
Gulf update: Over 180,000,000 gallons of oil and millions of gallons of dispersants - and still gushing
It's been over 70 days, yet the Deepwater Horizon drilling-rig disaster continues. Suffering and dying wildlife, oil soaked marshes and wetlands, undersea plumes and dead zones, and lives and livelihoods lost show us the horror of the worst environmental catastrophe of our time. Take action! Volunteer to help the Gulf and wildlife - and more!
CAFO Watch Conference - July 17 (Register by July 3)
Registration is due by Saturday, July 3, for this event in Muncie, Indiana. The conference is sponsored by the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project (SRA) and includes special speakers and discussions. The $10.00 registration fee includes a continental breakfast, and non-CAFO meats and milk products, vegetarian choices, locally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables, included in the lunch buffet. Register today!
Watership Management
Sign up now to improve your water management skills. If you’re interested in water quality and watersheds, consider applying for the 2011 Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy. The enrollment deadline is November 1st. Find out more!
IDEM ... Missing In Action
The majority of Indiana companies that the U.S. EPA found to be in violation of the Clean Air Act since January 1, 2007, were still in violation on December 31, 2009. In most of those cases, no enforcement had been taken even though the list included some of the worst repeat violators. In fact, twelve of the 62 facilities with “high-priority violations” have been in violation for three years!
National Outdoor Leadership School
Would you like more training and travel this summer? Then consider the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). You can download the complete NOLS 2010 catalog and build on your wilderness experiences. If you are in good shape, have a positive attitude, and want to learn wilderness skills in beautiful country, you will have the time of your life! (And don't forget National Sierra Club outings! We've been offering outdoor adventures since 1901.)
Canoe and Kayak Paddleschools
The Miami Group of the Sierra Club (our sister club in Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio) is hosting a terrific Paddlesports Program with canoe/kayak paddleschools. Classes are offered for novice, beginner, and intermediate paddlers. Additional courses include ACA Canoeing Instructor Certification and Wilderness First Aid. Spread the word and don't miss this great opportunity!
Help Indiana's Wildlife - Prohibit Fox and Coyote Penning
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) continues to consider prohibiting fox and coyote penning in Indiana, as it is cruel, inhumane and has no sense of the fair play that every true sportsman believes in. They are sure to hear from the other side. Have you voiced your views?
Help for the Great Lakes
In March, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson released an action plan to guide efforts to restore the Great Lakes. The action plan lays out the most urgent threats facing the Great Lakes and sets out goals, objectives and key actions over the next five years to help restore the lakes. If accomplished, it would be the most significant investment in the Great Lakes in two decades.
Effort to Save Wolves Becomes More Urgent
Environmental and wildlife organizations continue to appeal a court decision removing wolves in the northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List, as the war on wolves proceeds at an alarming rate. Idaho and Montana have already killed more than 200 wolves, decimating Yellowstone's famed Cottonwood pack. Utah wants to kill every wolf that enters its borders, and retailers such as Cabela's and Sportsmans Warehouse sponsor wolf derbies. What can you do to help stop the carnage?
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