Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter

Sierra Club Explains Endorsement
In a recent press release, the Sierra Club explains why the Club has endorsed Barack Obama for President.

Senate Approves Off-Shore Drilling
The nearly 30-year-old ban on drilling off of America's coastlines will expire because Congress has not renewed it. While the world focused on economic woes, two startling stories emerged in the headlines: global warming emissions increased 3 percent this year (shattering scientific predictions of the worst-case scenario), and a new economic analysis reported that by investing in green energy instead of investing in Wall Street we would DOUBLE the number of jobs created.

HELP SAVE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT
For more than 30 years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a safety net for animals and plants on the brink of extinction, including gray whales, grizzly bears, and bald eagles. Yet the Bush administration wants to gut these protections.

Environmentalists Remain Concerned about Alaska's Wildlife and Environmental Policies
Working to stop polar bears from being classified as threatened species, trying to block beluga whale protections under the Endangered Species Act, defending aerial hunting of wolves and bears, authorizing its own Fish and Game Department to shoot 14 one-month old wolf pups taken from dens in a remote peninsula 800 miles from Anchorage, encouraging drilling in wildlife refuges, opposing protection of salmon streams ... These are some of the reasons environmentalists fear Alaskan leaders have declared war on their magnificent wildlife and wilderness.

Assault on Endangered Species Act Continues
America's landmark law protecting endangered species is under attack. The Bush Administration revealed August 11, that it would soon publish a proposal that would eliminate independent scientific reviews and undermine species protections in favor of fast-tracking federal development projects. (These new regulations would not require approval by Congress.) Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said the changes were needed to ensure that the Endangered Species Act would not be used as a "back door" to regulate the gasses blamed for global warming.

Reprieve for Wolves
In a temporary victory for the gray wolves of the northern Rockies, a federal judge ruled to stop the wolf slaughter while the case challenging the removal of endangered species protections is heard. The suit was filed by Earthjustice, on behalf of a coalition of environmental and animal rights groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife, and H.S.U.S.

IDNR Moving to Stop Cruelty to Coyotes
By a unanimous vote, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission approved rules changes aimed at taking the state out of its role as a major supplier of animals for the interstate market in live coyotes. Although more could be done, this is a first step towards preventing coyotes from being sold and savagely killed by hunting dogs in a fenced enclosure.

Environmental Appeals Continue as EPA Makes No Objections to IDEM/BP Permit
When the BP Whiting (IN) Refinery submitted the project's air permit application to IDEM in October, the agency split the refinery's request into two permits: a significant source modification that would allow the project's construction, and a significant permit modification -- the operating air permit. IDEM issued BP its source modification permit on May 1, and construction began shortly afterwards when the EPA raised no objections. Environmental appeals will take at least a year.

U.S. Senate Blocks Global Warming Bill
In a 48 to 36 vote, Democratic leaders fell a dozen votes short of getting the 60 needed to end a Republican filibuster and bring the bill up for a vote to require major reductions in greenhouse gases. Democrats produced letters from six senators (including both presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain) saying they would have voted for the measure had they been there. Indiana Senator Richard Lugar voted with the GOP.

Environmentalists Want Everything Accounted for in Huge BP Expansion
In building the largest capital improvement project in the history of Indiana, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management must require BP to account for all emissions and leave no loopholes. The health of the public and the environment is at stake.

Environmentalists File Appeal Over BP Plan
A coalition of environmental groups, including the Sierra Club's Hoosier Chapter represented by the Environmental Integrity Project, filed an appeal to BP Whiting's air permit. One of the primary concerns was the unwillingness of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to address environmental and community concerns.

South Bend Becomes a Cool City
On Earth Day 2008, the mayor of South Bend signed the U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. In doing so, South Bend joined with these Indiana cities in making a commitment to stop global warming: Bloomington, Carmel, Columbus, Evansville, Fishers-Geist, Fort Wayne, Gary, Hobart, Indianapolis, Lowell, McCordsville, and Michigan City. The Sierra Club was instrumental in bringing this about.

Questions Remain About IDEM's Handling of BP Air Permit Hearing
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management refuses to answer certain questions about the timing of a public hearing on BP's air permit. Who at IDEM was responsible for ignoring state law and providing inadequate notice of the hearing?

EPA Official Fired While Fighting Dow Chemical?
The Chicago Tribune reported that an EPA worker was ousted for her efforts to fight dioxin contamination and make Dow Chemical clean-up soil and sediment contamination that flowed from its Midland, Michigan, plant into Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.

Indiana Court of Appeals Sends CAFO Approval Back to Jackson County Zoning Board for Reconsideration
Citizens fighting a proposed 8,000 hog CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, i.e. Factory Farm) in Jackson County, Indiana, were given a second chance by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Sierra Club Challenges Duke Energy
Breaking News! The Sierra Club has taken steps to hold Duke Energy accountable for failing to install modern pollution controls at its coal-fired power plant in Edwardsport, Indiana. Specifically, Sierra Club filed a citizen enforcement action in federal court in Indiana seeking an order prohibiting Duke’s illegal pollution.

Climate and Health
National Public Health Week was April 7 to 13. There is a direct connection between climate change and the health of our nation today. Yet few Americans are aware of the very real consequences of climate change on the health of our communities, our families and our children.

Save Our Forests
When Governor Mitch Daniels took office, he appointed a timber industry lobbyist over Indiana's Division of Forests. This was shortly followed by a new timber harvest plan that increased logging of Indiana state forests by 500%. Not only was an environmental impact statement not prepared, but the new harvest area now included designated Back Country areas. Read a report by Chapter Chair, Bill Hayden.

Bush Administration Pulls Trigger on Wolves
Last month the Bush administration announced that it would remove the wolves of the northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List. Under existing state management plans, all but 300 wolves could be killed - that's 80% of the wild wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies! The only chance to stop the slaughter of this iconic species is immediate action in court.

The BP Saga Continues
Prompted by an outcry from environmental groups, IDEM has extended its public comment period and moved back its hearing on proposed BP air permits increasing emissions. The written comment deadline was March 21. However, the 1,351 page permit is complex and more time should be awarded for citizen input and review.

IDEM Delays Clean-Up in Northwest Indiana
Environmentalists are concerned about an apparent lack of progress in cleaning up Northwest Indiana's most contaminated waters. Read the Post-Tribune's report and find out how you can submit comments to IDEM.

Cool Cities Program Spreading in Indiana
The Sierra Club's campaign to fight climate change at the local level is growing in Indiana. Club members and allies are convincing city officials to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by city operations through energy efficiency, buying greener cars and switching to renewable energy.

Sierra Club Updates Coal Policy
The Sierra Club has a newly revised version of the "Coal, Questions and Answers" fact sheet. Stay informed about coal and "new coal" technology.

Bush Administration to Sell Oil Drilling Rights in Polar Bear Habitat
U.S. officials approved the sale of oil and gas leases in the Arctic, but delayed a decision on deeming the animals a threatened species. Read more, as well as the Los Angeles Times editorial on this issue.

Randolph County Puts Moratorium on Factory Farms (CAFOs)
After planning officials endorsed an ordinance that would have turned 75 percent of Randolph County into an agricultural district open to sprawling livestock farms (i.e. concentrated animal feeding operations), county commissioners approved an immediate moratorium on these "animal factories."

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.

A Season to Fight Coal
In the last four years, Sierra Club attorney Bruce Nilles has stopped 58 coal-fired plants from being built in the United States. As a result of his work, energy companies have abandoned their plans, fearing going through the permitting process of getting a new coal plant built.

New Course Catalog Now Available from Yellowstone Association
Think you've seen Yellowstone? Think again! The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute offers a variety of courses for every interest and ability level. Whether in the backcountry or a classroom at the Buffalo Ranch, you'll learn from nationally renowned experts.

Pollution and Cancer Go Hand-in-Hand
Scientists now understand that most cancer is not born but made. Devra Davis, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, states that cancer fighting efforts often target the wrong enemies and use the wrong weapons.

BP to Pay Largest Criminal Fine for Air Violations
Indiana lawmakers may think BP is a good neighbor, but the company continues to commit serious environmental crimes - here and elsewhere. It took a Texas explosion to prompt the Indiana Occupational Safety & Health Administration to review the refinery at Whiting, Indiana. Don't miss these articles!

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.

AEP Agrees to Billion Dollar Settlement to Cut Acid Rain
After a long legal battle, AEP agrees to clean up 46 coal-fired operations in 16 of the plants in its eastern system - a group likely to include at least nine plants in Ohio, Indiana, Virginia and West Virginia. Indiana was not a plaintiff in the suit, and it will be 10 years before AEP reduces chemical emissions here.

IDEM Sees "No Urgency" With Mercury Problems
A $1 million study intended to help lower mercury levels in the Grand Calumet River is still not complete, at least three years after the state's original deadline. How can IDEM issue wastewater permits to plants discharging into the Grand Calumet River -from U.S. Steel to municipalities- without knowing what reductions are needed to comply with laws?

Indiana Dunes in Poor Shape
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is in poor condition, according to a report released October 9, by the National Parks Conservation Association. Read the full report and its assessment of Great Lakes national parks based on data supplied by park managers and researchers.

Editorials Decry Mercury Decision
Editorials from newspapers around the state agree: Indiana caved again on a pollution challenge. While surrounding states have moved to set their own, more stringent standards, the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board voted for the minimum mercury standard - bowing to the powerful utilities lobby.

As Ethanol Plant Pollutes, Where is IDEM Enforcement?
The coal-fired burner at New Energy's South Bend ethanol plant continues to pollute above its permitted level. Emissions were not even monitored for years. What is IDEM doing about the situation? Sending a certified letter!

Air Board Votes for Minimum Mercury Standards
Ignoring testimony by environmentalists, but pleasing utility companies, the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board voted 11-1 to adopt the minimum federal Clean Air Mercury Rule.

Activists Still Wary of US Steel Permit
Environmental groups are still not convinced that U.S. Steel-Gary Works will not be increasing its discharges to the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan when the company's wastewater permit is renewed.

Groups Oppose Forced Elimination of Generational Farms for Industrial Development
"Stop Intermodal, Save Our County" a new LaPorte County group, opposes the forced elimination of generational farms for industrial development. The group is getting support from members of Citizens Against the Privatized Illiana Tollroad, which successfully opposed the taking of farmland for Governor Daniels' proposal to create the Illiana Expressway from Interstate 65 to Interstate 94.

Proposed Edwardsport Plant Too Risky and Politically Driven
The proposed Edwardsport coal gasification plant is a $2 billion taxpayer gamble, reminiscent of the proposed Marble Hill nuclear power plant in the 1970s.

The Problems With Ethanol
In spite of its popularity with presidential candidates, farm-state lawmakers, and others, learn why corn-based ethanol is not the miracle many claim it to be.

Regarding Air Quality, Critics Doubt BP's Promise
Environmentalists from Indiana, Illinois, and Chicago say they are not convinced BP will reduce its emissions, or that doing so would impose a "severe economic hardship" on BP as the company and IDEM argue.

Protest in LaPorte County Over Loss of Rural Land
A sprawling 3,000 acre transportation hub has been proposed for northwest Indiana, encouraged by the governor. Recently 500 people turned out to protest the loss of rural farm land. Read updates from the Post-Tribune.

Stop Unnecessary Coal-Fired Power Plants in Indiana
Edwardsport is the site of the latest battle against dirty coal.

Indiana's Statewide CAFO Watch Conference
Sponsored by the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project, this statewide conference is set for Saturday, July 26. CAFOs (Concentrated Animals Feeding Operations, i.e. factory farms) are the cause of many problems, including community health, environmental pollution, and inhumane animal husbandry.