In The News
"Net metering" debated at Statehouse
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter applauds the Indiana House committee that advanced a bill that would significantly expand the ability of Indiana homeowners, businesses, industries, and municipalities to produce their own clean, renewable energy from sources such as solar, wind, and bio-gas from waste. Yet the Chapter is also critical of provisions in the Senate version of the bill. Net metering would extend to all classes of customers the billing arrangement for customers producing their own energy from renewable sources known as “net metering.” Read more in this article.
Hoosier Chapter & allies ask EPA to correct flaws in IDEM Water Programs
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, the Hoosier Environmental Council and the Environmental Law & Policy Center submitted a petition that asks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to correct serious flaws in the Indiana water pollution control program, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Read more here.
Logging coming to once protected forest
In 1981, former Indiana Governor Robert Orr set aside a section of Hoosier forest to provide a near-wilderness experience. Orr's vision for future generations is being scrapped by today's leaders who decided to allow logging in the backcountry of Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood state forests. "What will have to happen is the public will have to speak up," said State Representative Matt Pierce. The public better be quick. Read more in the Indianapolis Star.
"The governor didn't want to hear any of it"
A column By Rich Jackson, Porter County Editor, Post-Tribune
In August 2008, I sat at a table with Gov. Mitch Daniels, who'd come to visit the Post-Tribune Editorial Board.
I'm not always invited to those board meetings, as I have some behavioral issues that mirror Tourette's Syndrome. The only difference is that I can control my actions -- I just chose not to.
We were having a lovely conversation until I spoke up.
"I have some questions about the BP permit," I said.
He'd been holding a notebook but thrust it on to the table when I spoke. Then he pounded his index finger into the table.... [See column here]
Help us push efficiency through an updated building code
Help us persuade the Daniels Administration to update our residential building energy code. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes is the quickest and most cost-effective way of meeting Indiana’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. See more information here.
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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter
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. On Tuesday, March 16, the NRC will discuss this matter again. 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.
Join the 72-Hour Call-In on March 2, 3, and 4. (Now extended to Monday, March 8!)
The Sierra Club is combining forces with dozens of organizations across the country for a 72 hour call in for clean American power to flood the Senate with calls for strong, clean energy and climate legislation. It's free and takes only a few minutes. One call is worth 100 emails. (Because of the great response, the call-in has been extended to Monday, March 8.)
Canoecopia, the World's Largest Paddle Sports Exposition
Sierra magazine is again a proud sponsor of this annual event in Madison, Wisconsin, from March 12-14. There will be hundreds of canoes and kayaks, plus gear, presentations, outfitters, guide services, hands-on demonstrations and more. Sierra Club paddling trips are just months away here in the Midwest, so get ready for them!
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?
BLM and the Cattle Industry vs. Wild Horses and Land Preservation
As the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues a brutal roundup of America's wild horses, many wonder why the government continues to favor the cattle industry and others who manage livestock on our public lands. Now natural gas projects may come into the mix.
Indiana Joins Illinois in Asian Carp Dispute
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is opposed to closing navigational locks and gates in Chicago-area waterways to prevent ravenous Asian Carp from entering the Great Lakes. Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the Canadian province of Ontario favor an immediate and permanent closure of navigational structures to protect the Great Lakes' ecosystem and $7 billion sports fishing industry.
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.
Children in Southwest Indiana 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.
BP Permit Must Be Rewritten
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is forcing the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to rewrite part of the air permit for BP's refinery in the northwest part of the state. The EPA said BP and IDEM left out several sources of air pollution that need to be counted when determining what kind of air pollution control equipment is necessary.
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