In The News
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 on post-trib.com]
60 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.
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.
Advertise 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.
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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter
Protect Hoosier Forests
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources plans to log the backcountry area at Morgan-Monroe and Yellowwood State Forests. This 2,700-acre forest area was first set aside as a "backcountry" area in 1981. IDNR's backcountry logging plan will be reviewed by an Indiana legislative study committee on Thursday, Oct. 29th in Room 404 of the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Have they heard your views?
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.
"Veterans for American Power" Bus Tour
As part of Clean Energy Works, the Sierra Club is participating in a major Veterans Bus Tour designed to bring attention to the national security implications of enacting comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation. Through the voices of veterans, we will be promoting the message of urgency of action at the federal level on this issue. Join the visits in Indiana!
Climate Bill Call-In Day: October 14
The Sierra Club is looking for volunteers to call members and ask them to call their senators to support the climate bill. We need you help to make this a success!
Indiana Blue Green Alliance Forms
The adage that we are stronger when we work together is the basis of a new Indiana alliance between labor organizations and environmental groups formed last spring in Indianapolis. The purpose of the Blue Green Alliance (BGA) is to work together on issues that we share in common and to use the combined power of the labor and the environmental community to bring about progressive change in our communities and the Legislature.
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?
Recovery Watch
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been passed, and President Obama has promised transparency and accountability. The Hoosier Chapter would like to especially monitor how this money is being used in Indiana and surrounding areas. Help us to make sure this money is being used wisely and sustainably.
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