Public News Service

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

A new report by The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reveals Indiana's housing is aging, with 15% of homes and rental properties built before 1939. (Adobe stock)

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. "The State of Fair …

Recent reports show the economics of coal-fired power plants take a huge toll on ratepayer wallets and public health. (Adobe stock)

Study cites Indiana's costly reliance on coal plants

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management considers an agricultural business a concentrated animal feeding operation if the farm meets or exceeds animal threshold numbers including 2,500 swine above 55 pounds, 55,000 turkeys or 700 mature dairy cows. (Adobe Stock)

IN farms have stricter rules for CAFO operations

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

According to EPA< Indiana has more than 35,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, and 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

The Annual Indiana Water Summit, coming up next week, will offer ideas on protecting the state's waterways. A 2022 report paints a troubling …

The proposed FEED Act has bipartisan support. (Adobe Stock)

Critics say IN-made dairy cow feed additive is 'overblown'

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient/Public News Service Collaboration A …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says the state has a 50% recycling goal for municipal waste, and requires mandatory reporting of solid waste and recycling data to track progress. (Adobe Stock)

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

Summer in Indiana produces a variety of festivals, outdoor concerts, and athletic competitions. These attractions produce large crowds and hundreds …

A report by The Nature Conservancy says if clean energy continues to be sited the way it always has been, the U.S. will need an area the size of Texas to meet its climate targets. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists tout IN old mines, brownfields to develop renewable energy

Today is the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most sunshine, and Indiana conservationists said they have a plan to make the best use of …

A new Rural Climate Partnership report found rural communities have not been prioritized in efforts to help them harness the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency. (Adobe stock)

Indiana's rural climate impact: Urgent call for action

A new report from the Rural Climate Partnership revealed a significant climate impact on rural Americans, including more than one in five Hoosiers…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana's industrial sector is the state's largest energy consumer, accounting for 46% of the state's energy consumption in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

IN university hopes to lead in environmental responsibility

A central Indiana university has taken the initiative to address environmental challenges on campus and in the nearby community. Surveys conducted …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Climate change may affect stroke side effects

Climate watchers are predicting this summer's temperatures may set records, which could aggravate some medical conditions. A 30-year study of health …

The Thriving Neighbors Series is free but registration is required. (Adobe stock)

IN ‘feeling the impacts of climate change’

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

InsideClimatenews.org ranked U.S. Steel's Gary Works, in Gary, Indiana in 2022, as the largest greenhouse gas emitting iron and steel plant in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

IN legislators pause on federal environmental plan

States are working to find solutions to make their air and water cleaner and safer for their communities but the path is not always clear-cut…

The National Weather Service said November 2023 tied for the Indianapolis area's 34th warmest November since weather records began in 1871, placing it in the 78th percentile. (Adobe Stock)

University conference fosters conversation on climate change solutions

Indiana climate leaders gathered this month to share knowledge and create strategies to address the effects of climate change. Together, they are …

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the Justice 40 Initiative's policy plan includes increasing job energy resiliency and energy democracy and decreasing environmental exposure for disadvantaged communities. (Adobe Stock)

USDA funding to ease application process for clean energy projects

Indiana will soon get a dedicated person to help farmers, ranchers and other landowners apply for federal grants to help fight pollution and climate …

A report analyzing the Lower Fall Creek and Pleasant Run Region by the White River Alliance says stream assessments reveal 53% of evaluated waterways do not meet state water quality standards.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Wetlands at stake in southside Indy industrial development

Residents living directly south of Indianapolis could see their water quality change with a proposed land-use project that's getting some pushback…

According to the Climate Change Project, Indiana is projected to see an average of 39 days of intense heat per year by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Older Hoosiers have a resource to address climate change

The country is feeling the chill of winter now, but 2023 will be in the history books as the hottest year on record, and worries are growing about …

The Citizens Action Coalition said Indiana has no water policy to ensure the resource will be available in the future. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog report: IN should hit 'pause' on major water project

A powerful citizens' watchdog group has published a report explaining why it sees the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Limitless Exploration…

A study on earth.org reveals a 6 1/2-foot artificial Christmas tree would have to be used for at least 12 years for it to be more ecofriendly than a real Christmas tree. (Adobe Stock)

Real vs. artificial tree: Which is better for the environment?

Hoosiers could get their holiday trees from any of about 200 tree farms in the state, according to the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association…

The Thrive Indianapolis Annual Report 2022 says Indianapolis has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 35 consecutive years. (Adobe Stock)

Indy, Bloomington recognized for environmental action plans

Bloomington and Indianapolis are getting some international recognition for the work they're doing to help the environment. The two have been named …

According to Clean Grid Alliance, Indiana ranks 19th in the nation for solar power and 12th for wind-energy production. (Adobe stock)

Renewable energy fuels major economic payoffs in rural Indiana

Wind and solar projects are powering a big surge for Indiana's economy. You've probably seen tall wind turbines and row after row of flat panels on …

According to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory, Indiana ranks third out of 56 U.S. states and territories that release the highest total chemicals and pollutants per square mile into the air. (Adobe Stock)<br />

IN gets multiyear grant for climate pollution research

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is using a $3 million federal grant to track greenhouse-gas pollution in the state. The Climate …

According to the Indiana Climate Change Impact Assessments from Purdue University, Hoosiers could see temperatures rise by up to about 6 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Warmer temps take the October chill out of IN

This time of year, there's usually a seasonal crispness in the air, along with changing leaves and area pumpkin patches. But the warm temperatures …

According to 'Stacker.com,' in 2022, there were nearly 360 EV charging stations statewide in Indiana. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Environment, economy spark EV sales growth in Indiana

Electric vehicles are being called the "cars of the future." But how quickly are Indiana residents willing to drive into that future by buying one? …

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Indiana is home to 94 solar-energy companies, although the state still gets less than 1% of its power from solar. (Adobe Stock)

Growth of renewable energy in IN faces roadblocks

A proposal to allow utility-scale solar operations for Washington Township in Delaware County is meeting with some setbacks and one nonpartisan group …

A 2017 Purdue University research project found a more earth-friendly adhesive was created by sea mussels. They extend hair-like fibers that attach to surfaces using plaques of adhesive. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Purdue University touts research on environmentally safer adhesive

Scientists at Purdue University have been experimenting to create adhesives designed to be easier on the environment. So many products from …

According to an Indiana University Public Policy Institute study, nearly 68% of the state's unhoused population identifies as male, 32% as female, and less than 1% as transgender. (Adobe Stock)

Extreme Heat Creates Dangerous Conditions for Unhoused in IN

An excessive heat warning and an air quality alert are making life challenging in Indiana and across the Midwest this week. For those who are …

Purdue University researchers say the ultra-white paint remains cool to the touch, even in direct sunlight. (Purdue University/John Underwood)

Paint Created in Purdue Lab Could Cool Earth

An ultra-white paint developed in a Purdue University lab is making its way through the innovation pipeline, and it seems its market debut could not …

Next year's total solar eclipse is the last easy opportunity to watch the spectacular event for most United States residents until 2044. (Adobe Stock)

Astronomer: Hoosiers Should Plan Ahead for 'Super Bowl Big' Eclipse

Skygazers were disappointed this week when scientists canceled predictions to see the spectacular Northern Lights from Indiana. However, something …

The hazy, smoky conditions that blanket much of the Northeastern U.S. are not expected to improve right away. (Adobe Stock)

Sensitive Respiratory Issues? Stay Indoors

Smoke from wildfires raging in Canada has created the most polluted air on record in New York City. Although Indiana is hundreds of miles away…

An environmental advocate says nature and quiet spaces are important to businesses looking for new locations to expand or build. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

As dust settles from the 2023 Indiana legislative session, Hoosiers may discover lawmakers made some decisions with which members from both sides of …

A student advisor said students are moving the climate change debate forward because it is very difficult to ignore kids talking about their future. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Group Amplifies Student Voices on Climate Crisis

An Indiana-based environmental group is amplifying the voices of high school students who write about the environment and climate change. Earth …

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana ranks third in the nation for total coal consumption. (James Phelps, Jr./Adobe Stock)

Indiana Governor Ignores Environmental Group's Plea

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ignored pleas from environmental advocates who were asking him to veto a bill that gives lawmakers more power over state …

Planting trees, updating streetlights to LED bulbs and installing

Initiative Helps Hoosiers Get Environmental Resilience Funding

A funding hub has launched in Indiana, designed to help small communities pursue federal funding for climate, energy and resilience projects…

Norfolk Southern freight trains are common sights along Indiana highways. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Pauses Moving Train Derailment Material to Indiana Landfill

Putnam County residents are closely watching developments after learning multiple truckloads of waste from the train derailment site in East Palestine…

Crowded highways are one of the main producers of soot and particulate pollution, according to EPA data. (Sergey Sendeck/Adobe Stock)

Environmentalists; EPA Needs to Go Further in Setting Soot-Pollution Standards

Environmentalists are calling a new air-quality standard from the federal government a good start but say it does not go far enough to protect the pub…

A Yale University study showed a majority of Americans (64%) said they are at least

Indiana Schools Adding Climate Change Studies to Science Curriculum

Major changes are coming to Indiana schools, as state educators are adding a new climate change curriculum to science classes. New state science …

Studies show at least 25% of today's global warming is driven by human-caused methane emissions. (bednarek/Adobe Stock)

Tougher EPA Methane Regulations Could Improve Indiana Air Quality

As part of the U.S. clean-energy transition, the Biden administration has made slashing methane emissions a priority, and has new supplemental …

The report presents evidence of groundwater contamination at more than 265 sites nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly All Indiana Coal Power Plants Polluting Groundwater

Nearly all Indiana coal plants are releasing toxins into the local groundwater, according to information released in a new report from two nonprofits…

More than 90% of the applications to the EPA program were for electric buses. (Sylvie Bouchard/Adobe Stock)

Indiana School Districts Awarded $5 Million for Cleaner School Buses

Six Indiana school districts have been awarded more than $5 million in funding for cleaner school buses. The Environmental Protection Agency's Clean …

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has a recurring annual budget of $1 billion through 2026, <a href=

according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. (Adobe Stock)">

IN Officials Ask Public to Weigh in on Electric-Vehicle Infrastructure

Indiana is in line to receive about $100 million from the federal government to support new electric-vehicle infrastructure. State transportation …

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, E. coli is the number one cause of waterway impairment in the state. The organic pollutant is exacerbated and amplified by runoff from industrial farms. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More than 24,000 Miles of IN Waters Unsafe for Recreation

As the temperature gradually rises, many Hoosiers anxiously await their first beach trip of the year. But you may want to think twice before hopping …

According to a 2020 Pew Research Center Poll, two-thirds of Americans believe the federal government isn't doing enough to address climate change. (Adobe Stock)

IN Students Push for Climate-Justice Task Force

Confront the Climate Crisis is a student-led coalition pushing Indiana lawmakers to establish a new environmental-justice task force. Last month…

BP's refinery in Whiting, IN covers 1,400 acres in northwestern Indiana, just a few miles from the Chicago loop. (Adobe Stock)

BP, Feds Reach Settlement over Pollution from NW Indiana Refinery

WHITING, Ind. -- International oil-and-gas producer BP will pay more than $500,000 to the federal government as part of a legal settlement over air …

A clean closure of the Michigan City Generation Station could create roughly 70 jobs in the surrounding area. (Larry Lawhead/Adobe Stock)

Report: Remove Coal Ash to Clean Up Toxic Pollution of IN Groundwater

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new study reinforces the view of many Indiana environmentalists the best way to clean up toxic coal ash is by removing it, rather …

Cover crops can improve water infiltration into the soil and some, like legumes, also are natural fertilizers. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: Indiana Farmers Planted More Cover Crops than Ever

INDIANAPOLIS -- There's good news for soil conservation efforts in a new survey by the Indiana Conservation Partnership: Farmers in the state planted …

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is one of many areas that would benefit from increased federal funding to improve water quality in the Great Lakes. (M. Woodbridge Williams/National Park Service)

Clean Water Advocates Look to Biden Proposals for Help

INDIANAPOLIS -- Groups that fight for clean, affordable water are speaking out in favor of President Joe Biden's proposed budget, which would put …

Hoosiers will soon start hearing the cicadas' Brood X mating call at a constant, high volume. And it's expected to last four to six weeks. (Smuangtim/Adobe Stock)

Surviving Cicada Swarm May Mean Protecting Young Trees

INDIANAPOLIS - The largest brood of 17-year cicadas, known as the Great Eastern Brood, is on its way - and Hoosiers can expect to see their swarms …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 19, 2024

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IN: Environment