As a statewide organization, we focus on environmental health challenges that are prevalent across the state; two of the most significant ones are coal ash and factory farm waste. We are keen to help empower local communities who have felt marginalized, over the decades, by their elected, civic, and business leaders with regard to environmental issues; our Environmental Justice Initiative, at the present time, is focused on Marion County. HEC seeks to reduce toxic exposures, and has made meaningful contributions to reduce harm, in particular, from lead poisoning and Outdoor Wood Boiler smoke. Read our position on the proposed, controversial coal-to-diesel plant in Dale, IN.
When coal is burned, the ash left behind contains toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cobalt, chromium, lead, radium, and mercury. See a full list of contaminants and their health effects. The problems with coal ash include:
When coal ash is dry and gets into the air, it creates a breathing hazard.
There is a lot of coal ash.
U.S. coal plants generated about 5 billion tons of coal ash over the last 100 years (Source: American Coal Ash Association, 2020 CCP Production and Use Survey Report.)
Hoosier Environmental Council’s work on coal ash receives generous support from the Energy Foundation, the McKinney Family Foundation, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, as well as our individual donors.
"The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This goal will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn and work."
Despite EPA's goal, some Hoosier communities bear a much heavier pollution burden than others and those inequalities tend to track with economic and racial inequities, and are at the heart of the concept of “environmental injustice.”
Hoosiers can be exposed to toxins in their air, water, soil, or from products.
Are you looking for a reference to help you determine who to contact regarding an issue with toxic pollution you or your community is experiencing? Please check into this report from the Great Lakes Center for Children’s Environmental Health: Investigating Environmental Contamination: A Guide for Communities. This report provides technical assistance, telephone consultations, and training by experts on environmental health issues.
HEC is currently working with a group in Logansport to stop a steel waste processing facility from going in three miles from their downtown. We were successful in blocking the same company from building a facility in Muncie in 2019.
Our food system is harming Hoosiers and our environment.
Within the last few decades, the United States went from raising livestock on traditional farms owned by farm families, to "producing" livestock in highly mechanized, industrial operations controlled by a handful of giant corporations. Indiana is home to nearly 2,000 of these industrial-scale animal factories.
Microplastics research is in its infancy, but we’re starting to learn more about how it affects wildlife and human health. In small fish and birds, microplastics, which often look like food, can cause intestinal blockages, laceration, and other GI issues. Moreover, microplastics both leech and absorb toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can then be passed on to wildlife through direct consumption or dermal contact. They also bioaccumulate in humans and animals and have been found in human brains and the stomachs of deep-sea wildlife. In humans, a growing number of studies have linked microplastics to cardiovascular health issues.
We’re not telling you about the ubiquity of microplastics to make you panic – we’re hoping you’ll make a change. For the month of November, we’re challenging you to stop buying plastic, single-use water bottles, and use a reusable one instead. Why?
Less demand for bottled water means less plastic pollution.
Using a reusable water bottle might decrease your exposure to microplastics. One study demonstrated that bottled water consumers ingest up to 90,000 more particles than tap water consumers.
Tap water is regulated by the EPA and is subject to much stricter health regulations than bottled water. That makes tap water a safer – and healthier choice! The exception, of course, is private home wells, which aren’t regulated and need to be tested regularly.
Reusable water bottles save you money.
What are you waiting for? Improve your health, reduce plastic pollution, and save money by taking our pledge below.
Bonus: If you take our pledge, you have the chance to win a free three-stage water filter that filters out microplastics and other toxins, courtesy of HEC Green Business reTHink, a Terre-Haute based zero-waste store and community hub!
When coal is burned, the ash left behind contains toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cobalt, chromium, lead, radium, and mercury. See a full list of contaminants and their health effects. The problems with coal ash include:
When coal ash is dry and gets into the air, it creates a breathing hazard.
There is a lot of coal ash.
U.S. coal plants generated about 5 billion tons of coal ash over the last 100 years (Source: American Coal Ash Association, 2020 CCP Production and Use Survey Report.)
“Cleaner power sources are available and these plants were ready to stop burning coal, so the federal order is unwarranted. It creates additional air pollution, coal ash pollution, and expense for Indiana communities.” - Indra Frank, HEC's Coal Ash
Hoosier Environmental Council’s work on coal ash receives generous support from the Energy Foundation, the McKinney Family Foundation, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, as well as our individual donors.
What is HEC doing about Coal Ash?
Pushing for positive coal ash reform and policy at public hearings and forums, and sharing opinions in news reports.
Advocating in congress during the legislative session. In the 2026 session we supported the proposed SB17 which sought to give local units of government the power to monitor and control air pollution in their communities.
The latest on coal ash in Indiana & HEC's efforts.
