In The News

The Truth Behind Coal

The Truth Behind Coal

Coal-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!

DNR wants your opinion about new coyote sale rules

The state is moving closer to barring trappers from selling live coyotes to out-of-state buyers who then turn dogs loose on them.

A new regulation would require anyone catching a coyote in the off-season to euthanize the animal within 24 hours and would ban the sale or trading of the coyotes. The state's Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment before voting on the change this summer.

READ MORE in the Indianapolis Star at this link.

Green Tax Advantages

At 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!

Visit zoomer.sierraclub.org and click on "energy incentives" for a complete list of both federal tax breaks and incentives and those offered by your own state and local governments. Here are just a few examples of:

Hybrid vehicle tax credit: this credit varies by make and model, but can up to $3,000.
Home energy efficiency tax credit: up to $500 for home improvements designed to make your home more energy efficient, such as new windows or a more efficient heating/cooling system.
Residential solar and fuel cell tax credit: up to $2,000 for installation of a solar electric, solar water heating, or fuel cell system. Any excess credit can be carried forward one additional year.
Energy subsidy exemption: Any rebates or incentives you receive for energy conservation measures, directly or indirectly, from utilities are not counted as taxable income.

Sierra Club Radio

Sierra Club Radio

Saving 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.