Conservationists gather at statehouse
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana isn’t doing nearly enough to preserve the environment, a coalition of conservation and environmental activists said at the Statehouse Tuesday.
The groups gathered for Conservation Day at the Capitol, where they showed rescued birds, honored legislators and discussed their concerns about the environment.
John Goss, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation, said the Indiana Blue Green Alliance is working on three main issues: creating sources of renewable electricity, reauthorizing lake management, and banning phosphorous in fertilizer.
“We would like to see basically a thousand flowers bloom in terms of renewable energy installations in Indiana,” said Steve Francis, co-chair of Indiana Blue Green.
Francis added that the group wanted to see renewable energy allowed in businesses and homes that use than more than 10 kilowatts. Francis said the law currently prevents those homes and businesses from doing so.
“(It can) produce jobs in northern Indiana in the steel industry; produce jobs in central Indiana in terms of turbines and renewable energy systems; produce jobs and installation all over the state when people install those systems.” Francis said.
Francis said results could be seen immediately if the law is changed this session.
Francis also said there are 15 projects held up right now because schools are not allowed to have systems bigger than 10 kilowatts.
“That’s why we’re here at the Statehouse to say don’t let state government be an obstacle to it, be an incentive to allowing schools and cities and towns and industry and business to installing these systems. … Indiana can become a leader, only if we have good policy that allows that leadership to develop,” Francis said.
The group also honored two lawmakers.
Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, received the Legislator of the Year Award.
Rep. Bob Bischoff, D-Lawrenceburg, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
