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> Home > In The News In The NewsConflict? What Conflict?Conflict? What Conflict?
Something to hide down on the farm?Something to hide down on the farm?
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 OhioMilestone settlement for public health in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio
IU Study: Rockport project to negatively impact state GDP by up to $1.4B, limit job growthIU Study: Rockport project to negatively impact state GDP by up to $1.4B, limit job growth
Earth Day Activities ApproachingEarth Day Activities Approaching
13 Investigates: Indiana's Toxic Air13 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.
Legislature in full swingLegislature in full swing
Easterly reappointed to IDEM, after bashing air regulationsEasterly reappointed to IDEM, after bashing air regulations
IPL's AddictionEnd IPL's Coal Addiction
Power companies must meet the efficiency challengePower companies must meet the efficiency challenge Read Bowden Quinn’s January 2013 article in Indiana Living Green Magazine. Bowden, Conservation Director of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, urges utilities in Indiana to get serious about energy efficiency. Indiana Sustainable Natural Resources final report issuedIndiana Sustainable Natural Resources final report issued
Ratepayers oppose paying for Duke's cost overrunsRatepayers oppose paying for Duke's cost overruns According to our recent poll in Indiana, Duke Energy ratepayers strongly oppose paying for cost overruns at the Edwardsport coal gasification plant. In contrast, ratepayers express strong support for expanding the use of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy, in Indiana, and they want Indiana utility companies to invest more in wind power. Read more about our poll here. Also, read our new report “The Edwardsport IGCC Plant: a monument to cost overruns, concealment, mismanagement and malfeasance”
Get a free home energy assessmentGet a free home energy assessment
Mercury in the water
"The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has found a way to reduce the number of Indiana water bodies impaired by mercury-laden fish. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with removing the mercury." --From Indiana Living Green magazine, read this column by Bowden Quinn, our Conservation Director. Bowden Quinn: Cherish the RiverBowden Quinn: Cherish the River
"The Road to Ruin""The Road to Ruin"
Clean Water Act violations rising, seldom punished in IndianaClean Water Act violations rising, seldom punished The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette published an impotant article in August. Take a look. "Enforcing clean water: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says 73 percent of Indiana facilities with permits under the Clean Water Act broke that law in 2009. But of those 1,194 violators, only 400 faced any kind of enforcement actions. And of those, none paid any financial penalties that year, according to the agency." Hoosier generates his own powerHoosier generates his own power
Hoosier Chapter Endorses CandidatesHoosier Chapter Endorses Candidates
Indiana's Inadequacy on Impaired WatersIndiana's Fish Tell No Tales
"There are no losers in this agreement""There are no losers in this agreement"
Encore planned for Outings Leader Training
Due to the success of the Spring 2012 outings training, our group in Bloomington hopes to conduct OLT 101 again periodically. If you are interested in learning more about the training contact the chapter office. To learn more about the many fine outings of the Bloomington Sierra Club Group, visit their Facebook page. IBJ: "Coal in the Crosshairs"IBJ: "Coal in the Crosshairs"
Zombie Power: The Boondoggle that Won't DieZombie Power: The Boondoggle that Won't Die
Two new factsheets about the Hoosier Chapter
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter released two new factsheets recently. "A Brief Look at the Hoosier Chapter" talks about the Sierra Club in Indiana and details recent accomplishments. "Donor Opportunities in 2012" provides a menu of options for contributors who are able to financially assist our work in Indiana. Of course, both of these factsheets will remain works in progress! Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race?Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race?
Americans Want Clean, Affordable EnergyAmericans Want Clean, Affordable Energy According to a new survey, a majority of Republicans, Independents and Democrats agree they'd like Congress to work on an energy policy that supports renewable energy, protects public health and promotes energy independence. The survey, taken in March, sampled 506 men and 513 women in private households across the country. See the results on the Civil Society Institute website. People should be green-but not lakesPeople should be green-but not lakes!
A Clean Water Victory in Indiana!A Clean Water Victory in Indiana!
Mr. Green's Cool Home Checklist
This list may be a helpful handout for you. It gives simple suggestions for saving energy in the home. Take a look! Keystone Pipeline
Hoosiers have been subjected to much misinformation about the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline in recent political ads. We are likely to see more such propaganda. Here is a brief rebuttle. 2012 Conservation Day at the Statehouse2012 Conservation Day at the Statehouse
Richard C. Smith, Sierra Club FriendRichard C. Smith, Sierra Club friend, passes away
Richard Hill receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Richard Hill, a longtime environmental activist in Indiana and an executive committee member of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, is winner of the Hoosier Environmental Council's 2011 HEC Lifetime Achievement Award, named in honor of Robert Klawitter. From Madison, Hill's award is in recognition of his many years of dedication to southern Indiana, including leadership of Save the Valley, protecting the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, safeguarding Hoosiers from factory farms and coal ash, successfully fighting the problem-plagued Marble Hill nuclear plant, among other battles. Richard received the award in December 2011 at HEC's 4th Annual Greening the Statehouse Forum. We are very proud of and grateful for Richard. Prairie Reconstruction at Newport
By Phillip Cox: "Tallgrass prairie reconstruction at the U.S. Army’s Newport Chemical Depot began in 1994. Inspiration for this project was garnered from a 1993 ... flora survey and subsequent 1994 report which stated: “A large acreage of the southwestern portion of Newport Army Ammunition Plant was formerly mesic silt loam prairie..." Learn more about Prairie Reconstruction at Newport. Sierra Club Supports Utility's Green Energy ProgramSierra Club Supports Utility's Green Energy Program
Indiana Making Slow Progress on Energy EfficiencyIndiana Making Slow Progress on Energy Efficiency
Protecting Indiana's WatersProtecting Indiana's Waters Our friends and partners at the Environmental Law & Policy Center have created this excellent website on water issues in Indiana - and how you can make a difference. Take a look by clicking here. Special Outing: A Gathering of Cranes
Our Winding Waters group, which plans to co-host with HEC A Gathering of Cranes at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge near Seymour, reports the outing is postponed. Warm fall weather has slowed the sandhill cranes’ southern migration, and as a result the birds have not arrived yet at Muscatatuck. We are rescheduling for a new date soon. Please watch the HEC website for updates. See our calendar for other events. Hearings on Duke's Edwardsport plant are underway
Duke Energy's chairman will be on the hot seat this week as he tries to convince Indiana regulators that his company managed the troubled Edwardsport power plant competently and did not conceal vital information. However, information is certainly being concealed from the public in this scandal-ridden case. Attend the hearings if you can! Here are a few news links from the Indianapolis Star concerning the case:
Shine a light on this rate case!
Are you an I&M ratepayer? You will want to read this opinion piece from the South Bend Tribune (published 10/6/11). It offers thoughts about I&M's proposed 22.7 percent increase in residential rates. The editorial also provides a link where you may comment on the propsed increase to regulators. Newport: Indiana prairie’s last best chanceNewport: Indiana prairie’s last best chance Indiana writer Steven Higgs wrote an outstanding piece on the prairie restoration battle taking place at what was once the Newport Chemical Depot. "As federal, state and local officials planned the Newport depot's future, [Phil] Cox, who is a vice president for both the Wabash Valley Audubon Society and Ouabache Land Conservancy, tirelessly campaigned for the prairie's future. But he quickly found the power structure cast jaundiced eyes upon him and his supporters.... Read the article in Nuvo here. Carmel student wins Jane Goodall awardCarmel student Lauren Gibson wins Jane Goodall award
Faith groups can help save the planetFaith groups can help save the planet
Study ranks air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plantsStudy ranks air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plants “Nearly half of all toxic air pollution reported from industrial sources nationwide comes from coal- and oil-fired power plants, the largest industrial source of toxic air pollution in 28 states and the District of Columbia.” This is a finding of a study released by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Read more here. Eagle Program Delights Festival in DecaturEagle Program Delights Kekionga Festival in Decatur
Interview with Blue Green Alliance Regional ManagerInterview with Blue Green Alliance Regional Manager Tom Conway, Program Manager for the Indiana Blue Green Alliance, was recently interviewed by the Post-Tribune. “For years, there was this misnomer that labor unions and environmental organizations were against each other, that the environmentalists were always trying to put everybody out of work, and labor was only interested in jobs and not protecting the environment. That’s not true." Read more here. Coal ash raises health and environmental concernsCoal ash raises health and environmental concerns
Power demand from US homes is fallingPower demand from US homes is falling Contrary to forecasts from utility executives and backers of new power plants, demand for electricity is well below what had been expected. Energy efficiency efforts, from better designed products to more efficient buildings, are making a difference. Read more from the Associated Press here. NE Indiana Sierra Club Group establishes Facebook PageNE Indiana Sierra Club Group establishes Facebook Page
Court Confirms that the EPA Has Responsibility to Protect Americans from Coal PollutionCourt: EPA Has Responsibility to Protect Americans from Coal Pollution On June 20th the U.S. Supreme Court strongly reaffirmed its finding that carbon dioxide is an air pollutant subject to control under the Clean Air Act and explained that the task of protecting Americans from power plant pollution falls to the Environmental Protection Agency. In response Mary Anne Hitt, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, issued this statement. Tritium leaks found at many nuke plantTritium leaks found at many nuke plant
Radioactive tritium has leaked from three-quarters of U.S. commercial nuclear power sites, often into groundwater from corroded, buried piping, an Associated Press investigation shows. Read more here.
Link Between Climate & Severe Weather?A link between climate change and Joplin tornadoes? Never! Interesting column in the Washington Post by Bill McKibbon: “Caution: It is vitally important not to make connections. When you see pictures of rubble like this week’s shots from Joplin, Mo., you should not wonder: Is this somehow related to the tornado outbreak three weeks ago in Tuscaloosa, Ala., or the enormous outbreak a couple of weeks before that (which, together, comprised the most active April for tornadoes in U.S. history). No, that doesn’t mean a thing. ...” Read it here on the Post's web site. NIPSCO Feed-In Tariff
In a victory for clean energy in Indiana, Sierra Club and its allies have reached an agreement with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) that will greatly expand the use of renewable energy sources in the state. "We feel that this will put Indiana on the map as a model for distributed renewable generation in the Midwest while also creating good jobs in the renewable power sector," said Steve Francis, state chairman of the Hoosier chapter of the Sierra Club. Read more here. Farmers Market InfoFind the nearest farmers market One of the best places to find fresh produce is a farmers market. You can get fruits and vegetables that have just been picked. It also helps support your local economy and is good for the environment (since goods don't have to be transported from afar). Check out this tool for Farmers Market Search from the USDA. Sierra Club Supports Labor Sierra Club Supports Workers in IndianaHoosier Chapter members were among the thousands of others rallying at the Indiana Statehouse on March 10th in support of labor, including collective bargaining rights. Why is this an environmental issue? Read what Sierra Club national director Michael Brune says about this in the Huffington Post. Recycling Info Site for Indiana
A new website with comprehensive recycling information for Hoosiers was announced recently by the Indiana Recycling Coalition. The site can be found at indianarecycles.org. Hoosiers Want Renewable Energy
A recent poll says that Hoosiers show strong and bipartisan support for increasing wind farm development in the state through the passage of legislation calling for 10 percent of electricity sold in Indiana to come from renewable energy by 2020. Yet each time renewable energy standard legislation is introduced in the General Assembly, legislators cave in to utility lobbyists who insist that "clean" coal an nuclear power should be defined as "renewable." Read more about the poll. It’s All About the Green ThingIt's All About the Green Thing "In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to her and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.” That’s right, they didn’t have the green thing in her day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, Coke bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, using the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. But they didn’t have the green thing back her day...." Read more from the San Leandro Times. Recent News, Events & Commentary
There's so much news, events & commentary of interest that we created a page that makes it easier to update you. Take a look at the page here. This page will be updated periodically. 2011 Legislative Session
Take a look at some of the issues we have an eye on in the 2011 session of the Indiana General Assembly. We will update this periodically: 2011 Legislative Issues page. Our volunteers and lobbyists are actively involved in this session - as always. Purdue Faces the FuturePurdue Cancels Coal Boiler!
"We congratulate them," said Bowden Quinn, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter's conservation program coordinator. "We feel this is a bridge. There are still problems with natural gas. But this is a decision to move away from coal and find alternatives." For more, see this article in Lafayette's Journal & Courier -- and also this news release from national Sierra Club. Energy in Indiana
Energy in Indiana: Dirty
The way we produce most of our energy in Indiana, via coal, is dirty. It's dirty to mine, dirty to burn, unhealthy for Hoosiers who live and work downwind of power plants, and it is worsening climate chaos. Now we've learned what we've long suspected: that the politics and regulation of energy in Indiana is also toxic. Utilities, created for the public good, have turned the tables: through cozy relationships with policymakers and regulators, many utilities are showing clearly who they wish to benefit. Guess who? And guess who is paying the cost? You will have a rare chance, however, to make your voice heard. Learn more here. Hoosier Author Writes on Utility ScandalHoosier Author Writes on Utility Scandal Huffington Post (12/2): Indiana and Duke Energy Officials Bantered While Ratepayers Picked Up the Tab - "Drawin Huffington Post (11/18): Mitch Daniels's Presidential Prospects Could Be Dimmed by Power Plant Scandal - "Anyone who thinks Indiana's Republican Governor Mitch Daniels should run for president hasn't paid much attention to the dark cloud hanging over Duke Energy's new coal gasification plant -- a massive industrial complex rising up at the edge of the tiny town of Edwardsport, Indiana." Read this article here. Taking heat for utility oversight
Taking heat for utility oversight The ethics scandal surrounding the unofficial "merger" of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and Duke Energy was the subject of an editorial in the Indianapolis Star on 11/23/10. We recommend taking a look at it here. Hoosier Chapter Endorses Candidates
For the first time in several years, the Hoosier Chapter made endorsements of candidates in the 2010 general election. To find out more, click here Coal Waste Issue Crucial to HoosiersCoal Waste Issue Crucial to Hoosiers  Hoosiers, among other Midwesterners, are making their feelings on coal waste known to the EPA. In hearings and through other means, the EPA is receiving comments about whether and how to regulate coal ash – the waste that is accumulating in lagoons near coal plants around the nation. Coal waste, with its toxic contents, is what inundated people in the Tennessee Valley in December 2008 when a faulty lagoon failed. Learn more about this issue and why it is especially important to Hoosiers. Click here to learn more.I-69 Threatens Endangered Species
I-69 Threatens Endangered Species We are glad to share this Huffington Post article with you, written by Carol Polsgrove, one of our own members: "Of all the obstacles that ought to stop construction of Interstate 69 through southern Indiana, one of the most impressive is the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Wildlife Management Area. A sliver of nature on a north-south flyway for migrating birds, the 16-year-old refuge has become a stopover point for endangered whooping cranes and ...." Read article here Clean Coal Dream a Costly NightmareClean Coal Dream a Costly Nightmare
Sierra Club appeals Purdue coal power unit permitSierra 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. Hoosier Chapter Opposes Liberty Green Biomass PlantHoosier Chapter Opposes Liberty Green Biomass Plant The Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter adopted a resolution opposing the Liberty Green proposal to construct woody biomass-to-electricity generating facilities near Milltown and Scottsburg, Indiana – in close proximity to the Hoosier National Forest. The Chapter resolution calls the locations of the proposed facilities “inappropriate” and says that such facilities are “by their very nature unsustainable, extractive, and exploitative of Indiana’s forests and thus are in direct conflict with Sierra Club’s established policies.” The resolution further states that the currently proposed Liberty Green facilities constitute significant threats for pollution of the air, land, and waters…” See the Hoosier Chapter resolution here. Bloomington & Lafayette Groups on the RiseBloomington & 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). A look back at the 2010 LegislatureGeneral Assembly debates but does not pass net metering, energy efficient buildings, & Co2 pipeline BillsEven though this was a "short" session of the General Assembly, several significant bills were hot topics of debate. Of special interest to the Hoosier Chapter were bills addressing net metering (HB 1094 and SB 313), energy efficient buildings (HB 1063), and carbon dioxide transportation by pipeline (SB 115). Ultimately, none of these bills passed. Read more in our 2010 legislative report. Comment Period Ending for Draft Statewide Forest Strategy (6/11/10)Comment Period Ending for Draft Statewide Forest Strategy (6/11/10) June 11th is the last day for public comment on the Draft Statewide Forest Strategy. The statewide planning effort coordinated by the I Hoosier Chapter & Allies Seek EPA InterventionHoosier 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 Hoosier State ForestLogging 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""The governor didn't want to hear any of it" A column By Rich Jackson, Porter County Editor, Post-Tribune Building Codes CampaignHelp us push efficiency through an updated building code
Outrage: Lax Coal Ash Regulations60 Minutes Examines Coal Ash Dangers Lesley Stahl and CBS's 60 Minutes take an in-depth look at the problems with the by-products of coal production. As you watch this disturbing video, keep this in mind: Indiana has 13 coal ash ponds. Advertise in our NewsletterAdvertise in our quarterly newsletter The Hoosier Chapter's award-winning newsletter, the Indiana Sierran, is now accepting advertising. The newsletter is mailed or emailed to all members and other interested Hoosiers. For those businesses and organizations trying to reach a "green" audience in Indiana, take a look at this page for more information. Judy O'Bannon on Nature & ClimateJudy O'Bannon on Climate Legislation The Hoosier State's former First Lady, Judy O'Bannon speaks out on climate and nature in a June 24th column in the Corydon Democrat. Among other things, Judy writes, "How about contacting Sens. Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh and encouraging them to get on board [with climate legislation]?" Take a look at this insightful piece from one of the state's true gems. "...the nation is moving on without them.""...the nation is moving on without them." Journalist Matthew Tully (Indianapolis Star) covered the recent energy summit in downtown Indianapolis, and produced this insightful column, entitled "Energy Summit was an echo chamber." We recommend it to you here in the Indianapolis Star. New Donation Options
Monthly Contribution Program Begins In an effort to make it easier for our friends to support the work of the Hoosier Chapter, we are now offering a monthly donation option starting at $5/month. There are more options as well. Please take a look at these on our revised donation page. We appreciate your consideration. We are now on FacebookWe are now on Facebook The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter now has a Facebook group page. With this network we hope to expand our reach, communicate better with our public, and make some new friends and members. Won't you join us? 60 Minutes Looks at "Clean Coal"60 Minutes Looks at "Clean Coal" CBS News recently took a look at the question of "clean coal," and interviewed Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers. Take a look at this brief segment examines the dilemma of climate, coal, and our future. Is coal clean? Can it be? When - and at what cost? "Global Warming Impacts on Indiana" published by PEWClimate Change: Impact on Indiana A new one-page guide focusing on the impacts to our state from global warming has been published by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Human health, wildlife and ecosystems, and agriculture & tourism may all be impacted in Indiana. To see the guide, click here. New Media / Outreach PageNew Media / Outreach Page We've added a new web page that provides our news releases and additional outreach actions taken by the Hoosier Chapter. Take a look by clicking the "Action" graphic or our new "Media / Outreach" link in the left column. Clean Coal? (You'll like this)Clean coal? (You'll like this) Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen, Academy Award winning filmmakers created this television spot ridiculing the coal industry. Take a look at it on the Reality Campaign's web site.
Indiana Tops Another List
Indiana Tops Another List Rain and snow that fall near a cluster of coal-burning power plants in southeastern Indiana are laced with some of the highest concentrations of atmospheric mercury in the nation, a new federal study has found. Read this Associated Press article in the Courier-Journal. Indiana Has Coal Ash Ponds TooIndiana has Coal Sludge Pits too The coal sludge disaster in Tennessee highlighted another problem with dependence on coal for electricity. Tennessee isn't the only state with coal ash ponds. According to the Associated Press, there are thirteen of them here in Indiana. Here is a list for the nation (including Indiana) as published on KnoxvilleBiz.com. Is IDEM Going up in Smoke?Is IDEM Going Up in Smoke? What is happening to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management? IDEM is closing its enforcement office, unilaterally canceling air quality c Madison County Residents Fighting Proposed Medical Waste IncineratorAnderson-area Folks Fight Proposed Waste Facility PEAT International is planning to construct a waste incineration facility in Anderson, Indiana. The facility would reportedly process up to 35 tons of waste each day including medical and electronic waste, NiCad batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and other types of toxic materials. There are no incinerators of this kind in the United States. Concerned residents have organize a group called "Hoosiers for a Safe Environment," and are mounting a petition drive and contacting public officials. To find out more about this proposal and the fight against the waste processing plant, visit HSE's web site. The Truth Behind Coal
The Truth Behind CoalCoal-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. Smart Energy Solutions
Now is the time to move from our reliance on dirty fossil fuels and unsafe nuclear power, to a safer, cleaner energy future. Each of us can take steps that will reduce global warming pollution. The Sierra Club's network of activists and volunteers are working to bring about a cleaner, smarter energy future. Join us and be part of the solution! Energy savings are blowing in Hoosier breezesWhile other states approved renewable energy standards to spur investment and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, Indiana legislators and stakeholders quarreled over a 10-percent standard this session. The proposal died in the Commerce, Energy and Utilities committee. Indiana provides a property tax advantage for investors in renewable energy, but renewable energy supporters say a bigger push would come from implementing a renewable energy standard, which requires a state's utility companies to get a certain proportion of their energy from renewable sources. About 25 states have already passed such standards, including Wisconsin (10 percent by 2015), Illinois and Minnesota (25 percent by 2025). READ MORE of the article by Gitte Laasby in the Post-Tribune Why Pollution Permits are Granted
By Lin Kaatz Chary, Post-Tribune guest columnist, May 14, 2008 READ this column in the Post-Tribune at: http://www.post-trib.com/news/opinion/947122,chary.article Green Tax AdvantagesAt tax time, fight global warming and save yourself some green at the same time.Federal, state, and local governments offer a range of tax incentives, grants, and loans that will help you save energy, fight global warming, reduce your energy bills, and let you keep more green in your wallet after Tax Day comes around. Best of all, many green tax incentives are not merely tax deductions which simply reduce your taxable income. They are tax credits which directly reduce the size of your tax bill. Some can even be rolled over to the next year!
Sierra Club RadioSaving the planet starts at home -- so many Americans are looking for ways to make their own lives more "green." That's why we're launching Sierra Club Radio. Our mission is to offer tips and tell stories we all can use as consumers, as citizens, as neighbors, and as parents to make responsible choices, to connect to the growing environmental community. |
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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 
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
The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter and its partners have a strong presence at the Statehouse this year. Our lobbyists and volunteers remain fully engaged to promote good proposals and attempt to improve or stop the bad ones. We cannot do it without you! We will be in touch with you throughout the session to let you know how you can help (especially when it would be helpful for your representative to hear from you). 
The top official at Indiana's environmental regulatory agency is again being criticized for being too chummy with the industry groups he is responsible for regulating. Speaking to a lobbying group's forum, heavily sponsored by the coal industry, Easterly appeared to offer pointers on how to sway public opinion, draft legislation and file legal challenges to combat new clean air regulations. Read more at these links: 
A free home energy assessment can help you lower energy bills, improve in-home air quality and increase your home's value. Signing up for such an assessment from Energizing Indiana (EI) can also help the Sierra Club (we receive $25 from EI for each qualified applicant we recruit that completes the assessment). To learn more and to sign up, 
Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter's Conservation Director, Bowden Quinn, writes in the September issue of Indiana Living Green magazine about the importance of the our White River. Althought water quality progress is being made, says Quinn, "For the most part the river is still a neglected resource in Indianapolis. 
Marvin Bartel's two solar collectors not only provide him with all of his own electricity, they also provide him with extra income. His excess energy is sold back to the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. at the end of every month through the company's tariff buy-back program. The Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter collaborated with the NIPSCO clean energy initiative. 
As you cast your vote in the November election, we urge you to consider the environment. Only by electing candidates who understand the importance of environmental protection do we have a chance of leaving the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. As part of the broad-based work of the Sierra Club in Indiana, we offer to you some thoughts on candidates we think stand apart from the crowd. 
Like many other Indiana waterways, the White River contains fish that have tested positive for a wide variety of contaminants. Recent articles on Indiana's “Impaired Water List” have appeared around the state. Concern about the quality of our waterways is not new. But Hoosiers should be increasingly worried that the state has become passive about the problem. The Sierra Club's Bowden Quinn calls it a longstanding pattern of inaction among Indiana regulators, who would rather blame others than actually doing something to get toxins out of the state's waterways. Read about these problems here:
"It's one of those rare moments when environmental activists are on the same page with the oil refiners," wrote Mark Kiesling, columnist at The Times of Northwest Indiana. BP has agreed to pay about $420 million in fines and new equipment at its Whiting oil refinery to reduce air pollutants by about 4,000 tons per year. The settlement shows that environmental regulation and economic expansion are compatible. "This has been a job generator, not a job killer," said Steve Francis, chairman of the Sierra Club's Hoosier Chapter. "This means lessened health impacts, respiratory problems and more construction jobs." Read more here:
Encore planned for Outings Leader Training
“It refuses to die. Just when you think you’ve won and daylight’s coming, there’s another wave of zombies,” said Indiana attorney Jerry Polk regarding a New York company’s proposal for a coal gasification plant in Rockport, as reported in Midwest Energy News. “Now that natural gas prices have plunged, many utilities and consumer watchdogs say the coal gasification plants make no sense,” the publication reports. "But the Rockport plant is moving forward with support from Gov. Mitch Daniels and other political leaders. Opponents are fighting back, calling it governmental interference in markets and an injustice for ratepayers.” 
Two new factsheets about the Hoosier Chapter
The global clean energy race offers insight to the leading indicators of innovation, commercialization, manufacturing and installation of renewable power technologies. The investment and finance data presented in the Pew Clean Energy Program's new report, Who's Winning the Clean Energy Race? 2011 Edition, show that countries are jockeying for a leadership position in this growing and increasingly competitive sector. Countries with clear, consistent and constructive clean energy policies are powering investment forward. 
Environmentalists won an important victory for clean water with the adoption of a statewide antidegradation rule yesterday. Industry fought hard against the rule but we prevailed. Thanks to many of you who contacted water board members to urge them to support the rule. Environmentalists have been working since 2002 to get a statewide antidegradation rule passed. While the adopted rule has weaknesses, overall it's very good, as indicated by industry's opposition. But the devil is in the details. The rule allows IDEM a lot of leeway in performing its antidegradation reviews and we will have to stay involved to make sure they are being done properly. 
Mr. Green's Cool Home Checklist
Keystone Pipeline distortions featured in Indiana Ads
We must admit that we do not have incredibly high hopes for this session of the Indiana General Assembly. Nevertheless we will support positive legislation - and defend against the not so good. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 was Conservation Day at the Statehouse. Along with partners in the Indiana Conservation Alliance we met with legislators - and brainstormed with one another. Our efforts will continue throughout the legislative session - and the year. Stay tuned.
Rick Smith, Noblesville, passed away a few days after 2012 began. Friends remembered him as a wonderful guy who was passionate about his family, the outdoors, and the environment in general. Rick battled cancer in the last eighteen months of his 64 years. Upon his passing, Rick and his family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Sierra Club. We are grateful for those contributions and for the passion behind them. We will strive to make sure that the work these contributions support is work that would make Rick proud. For information about tribute donations or planned giving, 
Richard Hill receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Prairie Reconstruction at Newport
An Indiana utility that promotes alternative energy? Yes! “This is an exciting moment for northern Indiana with NIPSCO customers, businesses and organizations coming together to support renewable energy,” said Chair of the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club Steve Francis. “The Sierra Club strongly supports NIPSCO’s clean energy initiatives, with the good jobs that go with them, and will continue to collaborate with NIPSCO to move Indiana towards a clean energy future.” Here are several articles:
With the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission’s approval of a new residential building energy code in November 2011, Indiana has taken a great leap forward in promoting energy efficiency. The new code replaces a 1992 version. We are now among more than 20 states that have adopted standards equivalent to the benchmark 2009 International Energy Efficiency Code. 
POSTPONED: Special Outing: A Gathering of Cranes
Shine a light on I&M's rate case!
Carmel High School student Lauren Gibson received a Global Leadership Award from world-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian Dr. Jane Goodall at a ceremony in Hollywood, California on September 24, 2011. The award recognized Lauren for her efforts to empower youth in environmental activism through the 
In Indiana, as well as other states, faith groups are joining the battle to save the earth. As Mark Wolfe said in an 
Over 500 students from several Indiana cities were among those to learn about the bald eagle at this year's Kekionga Festival in Decatur. The eagle program was sponsored by the Hoosier Chapter's Conservation Seed Grant program and was organized by Carole Macklin.
Prospective leaders are coming forward to help establish a Sierra Club presence in the greater Fort Wayne area. Outdoor and conservation activities are expected to be among the highlights for the new group. Are you from NE Indiana or do you have friends there? Help us out. For time being, we will use a 
New Recycling Info Website for Indiana
2011 Legislative Session: Issues, Actions & Articles
Purdue University cancelled plans for a new campus coal boiler, making the project the 
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." 
ndiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has involved input and contribution from many groups. The documents examine the conditions and threats to Indiana's 5.1 million acres of public, private and urban forestland and also a prioritized plan to address these threats and provide a sustainable forest resource into the future. To learn more and to comment, visit 
ontracts with local governments, cutting off funds for recycling and pollution prevention programs, seeking to narrow the definition of “environmental harm,” and more. At a time when Indiana ranks almost as low as it can on environmental quality measures, this administration’s recent steps will take it even lower. Read what others are saying about these matters on our 
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