Happy New Years, Friends!
The IGA starts tomorrow and we are waiting for all the bills to be filed to keep you up to date on Creation Care concerns.
Two bills to know about: SB 33 concerns “Solar panel decommissioning and disposal” will be closely watched. SB 91 sets standards for annual inspection of confined animal feeding operations, including manure in wastewater. HEC supports this bill, so your support will be important to keep moving it forward!
Having more clean, renewable energy is essential to decrease the amount of carbon emissions in the air. Consider participating in some of the following events to let our legislators know that Hoosiers want clean air, clean water and healthy soil. Your calls and legislator meetings in your home town can make a difference. Really!
Renewable Energy Day
On Thurs. Jan. 19, 7 p.m. attend the training webinar where you’ll get an overview of 2023 energy bills, guidance for meeting with your legislators, and tips for effective messaging on key renewable energy issues. Speakers: Zach Schalk from Solar United Neighbors, Sabra Northam from Hallowell Consulting, and Reed Davis from Indiana Conservative Alliance for Energy. Read more and RSVP.
On Thurs. Jan. 26, 9 a.m. attend Renewable Energy Day at the Statehouse to rally for your clean energy rights. Speakers will share key renewable energy priorities. And, you’ll have a chance to meet with your legislators to urge them to support clean energy. Lunch is provided. Read more and RSVP. (IFCL is sponsoring a table)
Youth Climate Action
Young people are taking a stand to protect their climate future! On Wed. Feb. 1, 11 a.m. join the statewide youth-led organization, Confront the Climate Crisis, for a climate action rally and press conference. State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) will bring a bipartisan coalition of youth, advocacy organizations, and legislators together to call on lawmakers to take common-sense action on climate change. And, you’ll have a chance to meet with your legislators to urge them to act now! Read more and RSVP. (I have been asked to speak for 5 minutes about IFCL’s support of our youth and of our earth.)
Accelerate Climate Action
On Fri. Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. join the IU Environmental Resilience Institute and IUPUI Office of Sustainability for an all day conference aimed at accelerating climate action in Indiana. The goal is to move quickly and boldly from planning to action. Keynote speaker: Janet McCabe, US EPA Deputy Administrator. Learn more and Register
“We all need to take action on climate change. Hope is not a feeling. Hope is an action”, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, Climate Scientist.
Mary Blackburn, Creation Care Advocate. IFCL
mary.blackburn4@gmail.com