In The News
The Truth Behind Coal
Coal-fired power plants are one of our nation's largest—and dirtiest—sources of energy.
With new laws to fight global warming expected on the horizon, the coal industry is in a rush to build as many new plants as possible before pollution safeguards are in place. This is an industry motivated by the bottom line. Find out more in questions and answers and in the articles below.
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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter
URGENT: Help IDNR Stop Cruelty to Coyotes - PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS MAY 5
Some Indiana trappers hold live coyotes in horrible conditions until they are sold to out-of-state predator enclosures where the coyotes are released only to be literally torn apart by packs of hunting dogs. Indiana is a major supplier to these animal fighting rings, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment on proposed changes to improve this deplorable situation. Help bring Indiana out of the Dark Ages!
Indiana Court of Appeals Sends CAFO Approval Back to Jackson County Zoning Board for Reconsideration
Citizens fighting a proposed 8,000 hog CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, i.e. Factory Farm) in Jackson County, Indiana, were given a second chance by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Earth Day 2008
Every day is Earth Day for Sierra members, but April 22 is the specific time set aside to remind others about the importance of taking care of our planet. Many Earth Day events are planned throughout the state, and we have the resources to help with your Earth Day celebration!
Sierra Club Challenges Duke Energy
Breaking News! The Sierra Club has taken steps to hold Duke Energy accountable for failing to install modern pollution controls at its coal-fired power plant in Edwardsport, Indiana. Specifically, Sierra Club filed a citizen enforcement action in federal court in Indiana seeking an order prohibiting Duke’s illegal pollution.
Earth Hour 2008
On March 29, from 8-9 p.m., millions of people around the world joined together in making a statement about climate change by turning off their lights for Earth Hour.
Climate and Health
National Public Health Week was April 7 to 13. There is a direct connection between climate change and the health of our nation today. Yet few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families and our children.
Save Our Forests
When Governor Mitch Daniels took office, he appointed a timber industry lobbyist over Indiana's Division of Forests. This was shortly followed by a new timber harvest plan that
increased logging of Indiana state forests by 500%. Not only was an environmental impact statement not prepared, but the
new harvest area now included designated Back Country areas. Read a report by Chapter Chair, Bill Hayden.
Bush Administration Pulls Trigger on Wolves
Last month the Bush administration announced that it would remove the wolves of the northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List. Under existing state management plans, all but 300 wolves could be killed - that's 80% of the wild wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies!
The only chance to stop the slaughter of this iconic species is immediate action in court.
Great Lakes Compact Approved by Indiana
Indiana Senate Bill 45 has been signed into law, which brings Indiana into the Great Lakes Compact. The compact instructs each state in the Great Lakes region to regulate water use and adopt conservation plans for protecting the waters of the five Great Lakes.
The BP Saga Continues
Prompted by an outcry from environmental groups, IDEM has extended its public comment period and moved back its hearing on proposed BP air permits increasing emissions. The written comment deadline was March 21. However, the 1,351 page permit is complex and more time should be awarded for citizen input and review.
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