In The News
Conflict? What Conflict?
In Indiana, the line between legislator and lobbyist has always been a narrow one. Sometimes, the line doesn't exist at all. An example concerns the extraordinary efforts Indiana has taken to create a market for the proposed coal-to-gas plant in Rockport (a market the business & utility communities steered clear of). Rep. Matt Ubelhor is a coal mine manager for Peabody Energy, which owns five of Southwestern Indiana’s biggest mining complexes including Bear Run. Senate Utility Chairman Jim Merritt is the vice president of corporate affairs for the Indiana Rail Road Co., which spent $17 million to build a spur to Peabody’s Bear Run mine and negotiated an exclusive deal to haul its coal. Read more in this Evansville Courier & Press article. It helps explain why fossil fuel polluters fare so well in the Indiana General Assembly.
Something to hide down on the farm?
Indiana is one of a number of states in which industrial farm operators want to ban or limit the use of undercover camera investigations by those seeking to expose animal cruelty on farms. The Indiana state Senate passed SB 373 and the bill is now under consideration by the House. Here are some links on this undemocratic proposal. Take a look and let your state Representative know what you think.
Why Fossil Fuel Interests are Trashing Renewables
"Renewable power is being attacked not because it has failed or is too expensive but because it works and has become a threat financially to fossil fuel and nuclear interests," concludes Grant Smith in a recent article. Smith, senior energy policy analyst to the Civil Society Institute and a board member of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, notes the flawed data used by ALEC and others attacking the fast growing renewable energy sector. You may read the article here.
Milestone settlement for public health in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio
Today a coalition of citizen groups, including the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, states and U.S. EPA announced a landmark settlement agreement with American Electric Power (AEP) requiring AEP to stop burning coal by 2015 at three power plants in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. AEP also agreed to replace a portion of these coal plants with new wind and solar investments in Indiana and Michigan, bringing more clean energy on line to meet the region’s electricity needs. Read more about this victory here.
IU Study: Rockport project to negatively impact state GDP by up to $1.4B, limit job growth
In a public hearing held before the Indiana Senate Utilities Committee recently, faculty from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the Indiana Business Research Center at the Kelley School of Business testified that if the Rockport substitute natural gas (SNG) project moves forward as proposed, it will negatively impact the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) by up to $1.4 billion and, assuming residential and commercial consumers bear the burden of SNG losses, could cost Indiana up to 1,800 jobs per year from 2017 through 2025. The complete report can be accessed at http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/studies/naturalgas.pdf
Earth Day Activities Approaching
As always, April's Earth Day activities promise to be enlightening and enjoyable. The ever-growing Earth Day Indiana Festival takes place this year on April 27th in White River State Park, from 11AM to 4PM. Learn more about the festival on its website or on Facebook. The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter remains a non-profit sponsor of this wonderful event - and, of course, we will be there.
Get your hands a little dirty on Sunday, April 21st, 11:30 am-3 pm at the 2nd annual Earth Day Community Celebration at the Jewish Comminity Center in Indianapolis, sponsored by Indianapolis Power & Light Company. This free family-friendly event is open to the entire community. Learn more about it here. We'll be there with lessons to families about home energy efficiency.
13 Investigates: Indiana's Toxic Air
From WTHR TV News in Indianapolis: "Indiana has a earned a dirty reputation as one of the worst states in the nation for air pollution. But is that reputation justified? As the debate over Hoosier air quality rages across the state, 13 Investigates has learned several cities and towns in Indiana are about to fail an important part of the Environmental Protection Agency's air safety rules. 13 Investigates where the state's air pollution is coming from, what's really coming out all those Indiana smokestacks, and whether the state is doing enough to protect our air." See the video here.
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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter
Anti-Whistleblower Bill (SB 373) still being considered by Indiana legislature! Calls and letters needed!
Unfortunately the Indiana legislature continues to cater to agricultural interests at the expense of First Amendment rights. Senate Bill 373, the Anti-Whistleblower legislation, would criminalize important undercover investigations by animal welfare organizations and public interest groups - particularly impacting animals in CAFOs (factory farms). Unscrupulous businesses don’t deserve protection against whistleblowers, and SB 373 would prevent employees from reporting unsafe conditions and cruel treatment going on at their jobs. Remind lawmakers that every Hoosier has the right to know how their food is raised and whether or not it is safe for consumption.
"Donor Opportunities" published by Chapter
A summary of options for financial donors is now available for online review. The fact-sheet reviews various funds that prospective donors might consider in contributing to the work of Sierra Club in Indiana. Click the above link for more information.
Asian hooded crane spotted in Indiana
Bird watchers are flocking to a southwestern Indiana wildlife area to try to catch a glimpse of a crane usually spotted only in Asia. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says a hooded crane was first spotted Tuesday at Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area about 40 miles west of Bloomington. By Wednesday, more than 100 bird enthusiasts from as far away as Minnesota, West Virginia and Nebraska had visited.
Help Indiana's Wildlife - Prohibit Fox and Coyote Penning
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) continues to vacillate on the issue of prohibiting fox and coyote penning in Indiana. Why? "Killing pens" are cruel and inhumane, with no sense of the fair play that every true sportsman believes in. Take action now!
Citizen Advocacy 101
Are you hesitant to talk with your elected officials? Do you worry about making your point and effectively sharing your views? If so, these pointers and resources from the Nature Conservancy may help.
Why children in southwest Indiana are surrounded by toxins
There are two industries in Rockport, Indiana, that release 30 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the environment. A report considers the serious consequences this has on its residents, particularly children.
Make Healthy Choices for Healthy Oceans
Don't dine out or shop for seafood without the Monterey Bay Aquarium's seafood guide! Available free on their website, take these free printable pocket guides to the market or restaurant to make eco-friendly choices.
Forbes Ranks Indiana 49th out of 50
Forbes Magazine recently published its list of "America's Greenest States." Indiana ranked at the bottom, 49th out of 50, only ahead of West Virginia which is closely tied to the coal industry. Tell your lawmakers that a good environment and a good economy go hand-in-hand.
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