Indiana has always been a challenging place when it comes to advocating for the environment. And with the election results, many federal supports for environmental progress could now be in jeopardy. For example, EPA support for coal ash clean up and a shift away from coal fired power generation, incentives toward electrification of our homes and transportation powered by clean renewable energy, and major investments in conservation programs are now in question.
We don’t know what change may come as a result of a new federal administration. But there are some things that won’t change. Clean solar and wind power generation are still the most competitive form of new energy. Local solar that bypasses our transmission grid is still the quickest way to get much needed energy to power our economy. Hoosiers still want and expect abundant clean water and businesses won’t invest in Indiana if they don’t see that it’s available. And investing dollars for conservation still offers a great return for our outdoor economy, natural infrastructure benefits and overall quality of health and life. Valuing the beauty of our natural world and understanding our reliance and relationship to it is smart. It’s critical, and that hasn’t changed.
I wouldn’t have started my work with Hoosier Environmental Council if I weren’t an optimist and believed in the difference HEC, our team and our supporters can make. Hoosier Environmental Council is busy conducting a strategic review of our work and how we can increase our impact on the state. I believe HEC has an opportunity to expand our base, build new partnerships based on shared interests and common goals, and find practical solutions that move our mission forward. US News and World Reports currently ranks Indiana as number 50 when it comes to protecting our environment. That’s unacceptable. We can do better than that, and I think we will.
Please know that the team at Hoosier Environmental Council stands with you, just as you stand with us, as we work to achieve an Indiana where its communities and decision makers champion natural environments, that foster healthy, thriving ecosystems for current and future generations.
Executive Director, Hoosier Environmental Council