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
Thursday, January 28: National Day of Action on Coal Ash
Toxic coal ash affects citizens throughout the country and the EPA must be allowed to publish common sense minimum federal standards to begin to stem the tide of this bio-acucumulating toxic waste. Spread the word on this "National Day of Action" or the coal industry will be the only voice heard on this issue.
Conservation Day at the Statehouse
On Tuesday, January 26, Hoosiers can show their elected officials that they care about protecting Indiana's natural resources and preserving the environment. Conservation Day events are free to the public, but registration is required and can be completed on-line. Take advantage of this terrific opportunity to talk with your legislators and learn about conservation groups around the state.
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.
Asian Carp Heading to Great Lakes
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon consider a lawsuit brought by the State of Michigan against the State of Illinois and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Indiana is supporting Michigan in this effort, as should every member of the Great Lakes Compact. Fish poisonings and electrical barriers will not stop the Carp invasion. The only answer is a permanent separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River ecosystems. Take action!
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.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act
Climate change legislation is moving quickly through Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (also known as the Waxman-Markey bill or ACES), and the bill now moves to the Senate. Have you told your Senator how important global warming is to you?
Great Lakes Congressional Members Call for BP Investigation
Nineteen Congressional leaders are requesting the U.S. EPA to investigate BP in northwestern Indiana. (No members of Congress from Indiana signed on to the letter.) The move comes after it was learned that BP's Whiting refinery emitted cancer-causing benzene at its wastewater treatment plant without proper air pollution control equipment for nearly six years.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Coal Company
The Supreme Court ruled against Massey Coal, stating a $3 million "contribution" created bias. Massey is the single biggest practitioner of devastating mountaintop removal coal mining.
Coal Lobbyist Appointed to IDEM Position
Environmentalists are again concerned about the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the administration of Governor Mitch Daniels. A long-time coal industry lobbyist has just been appointed to a key position with IDEM, while coal mine permits are pending. How can IDEM be objective?
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