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2011 Legislative Session

2010 Legislative Report

Who are your officeholders?

Legislature's web site

Indiana Chapter Calendar

May 16 - 18
Greening the Heartland Conference (Green Builders)

May 16 - 18
Greening the Heartland 2012

May 19
Distance Hike at Turkey Run

Jun 2
Fishing Derby - Eagle Creek

Jun 23
Cincinnati Pedalfest's inaugural ride

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Legislation & Other Actions

Become a Forest Watch Volunteer
Our partners at the Indiana Forest Alliance are seeking Forest Watch volunteers. If you might be able to help protect our forests as well as the wildlife that depends on this habitat, please check this out.

Take Action!
Be part of the solution. Here are easy ways for you to express your views on important legislation about conservation and the environment.

By the People, For the People
Let your lawmakers hear from you

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Working to Keep Indiana Green!

In The News

Zombie Power: The Boondoggle that Won't Die

“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.” Read the article here.

Meetings planned on tree trimming practices by utilities

A community meeting to preview Indiana's proposed change in utility vegetation practices is planned for May 19^th, hosted by the Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations. Also, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will hold its final public hearing on their proposed rules regarding tree trimming on May 24th. For more information on these meetings (and how you can assist), see this page.

Who’s Winning the Clean Energy Race?

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. Read more here.

Americans 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 lakes!

If you are around Indiana lakes in the summer you may have seen it: the green scum on the surface of the water. At best, the scum is unsightly. At worst, it is unhealthy and even dangerous for people and other animals to be in the water. Nutrients, especially phosphorus, are key causes. The most common source of nutrients is runoff of fertilizer from lawns and agricultural fields. You can help reduce the problem by making sure that any lawn fertilizer you use is free of phosphorus. Learn more in the next issue of the Indiana Sierran, due out later this spring. Click on cartoon to enlarge (and special thanks to artist Paul Sharp).

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!

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Top Stories from the Indiana Chapter

"Donor Opportunities" published by Chapter
A summary of options for financial donors is now available for online review. The fact-sheet reviews various funds that prospective donors might consider in contributing to the work of Sierra Club in Indiana. Click the above link for more information.

Asian hooded crane spotted in Indiana
Bird watchers are flocking to a southwestern Indiana wildlife area to try to catch a glimpse of a crane usually spotted only in Asia. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says a hooded crane was first spotted Tuesday at Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area about 40 miles west of Bloomington. By Wednesday, more than 100 bird enthusiasts from as far away as Minnesota, West Virginia and Nebraska had visited.

Help Indiana's Wildlife - Prohibit Fox and Coyote Penning
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) continues to vacillate on the issue of prohibiting fox and coyote penning in Indiana. Why? "Killing pens" are cruel and inhumane, with no sense of the fair play that every true sportsman believes in. Take action now!

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.

Why children in southwest Indiana are 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.

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.

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.

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