Public News Service

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 …

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…

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 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 '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? …

Some IN Communities Resist Dollar-Chain 'Invasion'

New research claims the discount retail chains known as "dollar stores" are not having a positive impact on the communities where they are sprouting l…

In Indiana, 6% of the workforce is employed in transportation and warehousing. (Adobe Stock)

Booming Trucking, Warehouse Businesses Need Indiana Workers

The transportation and warehousing industry continues to lead as Indiana's fastest-growing business sector, and has been for over a decade now…

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…

The renewable-energy industry is expected to create more than 9,800 clean-energy jobs over the next five years, according to the Clean Grid Alliance. (Franco Lucato/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Indiana Communities Can Benefit from Clean Power Grid

As the economy has changed with the pandemic in the past few years, Indiana's small communities have seen an exodus of jobs and people. However…

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric-vehicle sales nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022. (Adobe Stock)

IN Electric-Vehicle Infrastructure Plan Open for Public Comment

The Indiana Department of Transportation wants Hoosiers to weigh in on the state's proposed electric vehicle charging network. The state is …

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 94% of Hoosiers live within five miles of a pedestrian trail. (Adobe Stock)

IN Officials Announce $65 Million for New Pedestrian Trails

Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced $65 million to fund new pedestrian infrastructure in Indiana. The grant money, distributed as part of Indiana's …

According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic fatality rates for January through September 2021 increased in 38 states, including Indiana, compared with the same time period in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

IN Traffic Officials Urge Caution in Road Construction Season

It's national Work Zone Awareness Week, and officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation are asking Hoosiers to slow down and drive safely …

The bill also calls for establishing a study committee to research the feasibility of a statewide

IN Advocates Push for New Protections for 'Vulnerable Road Users'

Cyclists in Indiana are pushing for new protections on the road, and are urging lawmakers to pass a bill which would ensure drivers who injure or …

Under a goal set by the Biden-Harris administration, half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. will be electric by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Finds Bipartisan Support from IN Lawmakers

With $100 million in federal funding on the way, Indiana lawmakers are laying the groundwork for a new, statewide electric vehicle-charging network…

You might not be able to hug your neighbor, but you can still hug a tree. Studies suggest that people's access to trees helps reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Arbor Day: Social Distancing Doesn't Apply to Trees

INDIANAPOLIS -- Arbor Day looks a little different in Indiana this year - however, advocates of the annual event say the spirit of the day is still …

Indiana has lost about 85% of its original acres of wetlands. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Group Warns Drainage Bill Puts Wetlands at Risk

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the 2020 Indiana legislative session moves towards ending, environmental groups are closely watching a bill about deregulating …

About 13% of Indiana public roads are considered structurally deficient. (ITB495/Flickr)

Indiana’s Highways, Airports Have Different Needs

INDIANAPOLIS — This is Infrastructure Week, and there are many ideas on the table for how to fix deteriorating infrastructure in Indiana and …

More than 27,000 passengers took the Hoosier State train in 2017. (David Wilson/Flickr)

Last-Ditch Pitch to Save Hoosier State Train

INDIANAPOLIS - Supporters of passenger rail service are making a last-ditch attempt to save the Hoosier State train. The four-day, Indianapolis-to-…

Some experts say a clean-vehicle technology reduces air pollution, thus improving public health. (Pixabay)

Climate Mayors Amp Up Fight to Reduce Emissions

INDIANAPOLIS — A group of global leaders, including some Indiana mayors, are launching a new effort in their fight to reduce greenhouse gas …

The EPA's rollback of fuel-efficiency standards is being called an attempt to revoke states' rights by some critics. (Pixabay)

Indiana Mayor Weighs In on Fuel-Economy Reversal

INDIANAPOLIS – Five years after industry, labor and policy groups gathered to create new clean-car rules, the EPA is now taking a U-turn…

Will U.S. automakers answer a call for a faster transition to electric vehicles? (Mrs. Gemstone/Flickr)

Indiana Asked to Help Accelerate Clean-Car Shift

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana businesses and cities are being invited to become part of a global vision for a cleaner future. The Zero Emissions …

Flooding linked to warmer temperatures and ice meltage on Lake Michigan is likely to increase in the Midwest, according to a new report. (V. Carter)

Report: Midwest Climate Change to be Severe

INDIANAPOLIS – Parts of the country along the coasts have been battered this year by Mother Nature, and a new study from the Midwest Economic …

Automakers say the current fuel-economy standards are costing them money. (in.gov)

Comment Period Open on Plan to Reverse Fuel Standards

INDIANAPOLIS – Attempts to reverse course on vehicle fuel-efficiency standards are drawing strong opposition. Health, consumer, science and …

A new report says cities can help their residents' health by planting more trees. (V. Carter)

Study Says Cities Should Invest in Trees

IINDIANAPOLIS – A new report that looks at the impact that trees have on people’s health finds there needs to be more trees. The …

Consumer advocates want Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to show leadership in energy-efficiency policy, as the state is slipping in national rankings. (energy.gov)

Indiana Near the Bottom on List of Energy-Efficient States

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana needs to "up its game" when it comes to encouraging energy efficiency, according to a report by the American Council for …

Ending the erosion problem along Lake Michigan may take a coordinated effort to include residents, businesses and government agencies. (epa.gov)

Erosion Problem May Take Team Effort to Fix

BURNS HARBOR, Ind. - The Lake Michigan shoreline has a sand erosion problem that's hurting commercial shipping and threatening natural habitats…

Researchers at the University of Illinois say green space is needed to keep people healthy, and it's especially true for kids. (Veronica Carter)

Researchers: Nature is the RX You Need

INDIANAPOLIS – As the weather warms up and birds chirp and flowers bloom, don't forget to take some time to enjoy what Mother Nature has to …

With the right policies, a report finds a boost in clean-energy jobs in Indiana. Credit: ranbud/morguefile.com

New Report Finds Boost in Indiana Jobs with Green Economy

INDIANAPOLIS – A clean-energy economy will benefit the environment and the wallets of Indiana residents, according to a new report by NextGen …

PHOTO: A coming shift in how people make and use energy is what one prominent climatologist describes as a hopeful side to climate change. Photo credit: Scott Liddell/Morguefile.

Climate Change: A Threat and a Chance at Change

INDIANAPOLIS - A renowned climatologist and public science educator says, in a sense, climate change is an opportunity. Richard Alley, geosciences …

PHOTO: Senate Bill 312 would require reporting of all above-ground tanks storing toxic chemicals that are close to sources of surface-level drinking water in Indiana. Photo credit: Gnangarra/Wikimedia.

Supporters Say Indiana Bill Could Prevent Drinking-Water Disaster

INDIANAPOLIS – A West Virginia chemical spill that contaminated the drinking-water source for 300,000 people last year is serving as a cautionar…

PHOTO: The monarch butterfly is one of the species found in Indiana that are listed in a new report about plants and animals experiencing dramatic population declines. Photo credit: Dendroica cerulea/Flickr.

Endangered Species Coalition Warns Next Generation May Never See Some Species

INDIANAPOLIS - It's a case of the common becoming uncommon in a new report from the Endangered Species Coalition. The report lists 10 species that …

PHOTO: Environmental groups are proposing a ready-to-implement plan called The Mounds Greenway to protect the West Fork of the White River, and leave it as a free-flowing river. Photo courtesy of Heart of the River.

Alternate Plan Offered to Protect Central Indiana River

ANDERSON, Ind. - Opponents of the proposed Mounds Lake Reservoir in central Indiana say they have an alternative plan that would save the free-…

PHOTO: Supporters of limits on carbon pollution say the public will enjoy significant health benefits as a result of burning less coal. Detractors say new limits will slow the economy. Both sides weigh in at EPA hearings this week across the U.S. Photo credit: Arnold Paul / Wikimedia.

Hoosiers Can Have Their Say on EPA's Proposed Carbon Rules

INDIANAPOLIS - The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) is currently in the midst of a public comment period on new rules to cut carbon pollution fro…

PHOTO: New research finds drivers of 2014 model vehicles are saving about 20 percent more on gasoline than those who drive a 2008 model. Photo credit: John Sense/morguefile.

Report: Newer Vehicles Can Help Relieve the Pinch at the Pump

INDIANAPOLIS - Hoosiers who traveled the roads over the holiday weekend likely felt the pinch at the gas pump. But some spent less fueling up than …

PHOTO: The American Lung Association's State of the Air 2014 report shows nearly half of all Americans live in areas where the air quality is unhealthy at times. Photo credit: Deborah C. Smith.

The "State of the Air" Mixed in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS – It's a story of good news and bad news in the new State of the Air report released by the American Lung Association. The study …

PHOTO: Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill that allows voters in counties in Central Indiana to decide on whether to fund mass transit projects, primarily through income taxes. Photo credit: morguefile.com/Alvimann.

Hoosiers Have the Say in the Future of Mass Transit

INDIANAPOLIS – It will be up to voters in Central Indiana to decide on the future of mass transit in their communities. Gov. Mike Pence signed …

PHOTO: Trucks on Indiana roadways will face stricter fuel-efficiency standards under a new directive aimed at decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Photo credit: morguefile.com.

New Standards Mean Less Pollution from Big Trucks on Indiana Roads

INDIANAPOLIS - Big trucks making their way across Indiana will be held to tighter fuel standards in coming years. President Obama on Tuesday …

PHOTO: AARP Indiana offers a driver safety course to help anyone behind the wheel brush up on their skills.

Hoosiers Can Resolve to Be Safe Drivers in 2014

INDIANAPOLIS - As Hoosiers reflect on ways to better themselves in the New Year, some experts say brushing up on driving skills is always a good …

Will Indiana Ride the Rail to Economic Prosperity?

INDIANAPOLIS - Next-generation passenger rail transport continues to pick up speed across the nation, and one of the biggest beneficiaries could be …

Photo: Rapid Transit Vehicle, Courtesy: Indy Connect

Broad Support for a Hoosier Mass Transit Bill

INDIANAPOLIS - A bill that would allow Indiana cities and counties to decide if they want to establish mass-transit districts is making its way throug…

High-Speed Rail Backers Seek Support From Gubernatorial Candidates

INDIANAPOLIS - A letter is going out to Indiana's gubernatorial candidates - Democrat John Gregg and Republican Mike Pence - urging them to get on boa…

"Put a Lid on It" to Prevent Cycling Injuries

INDIANAPOLIS - Put a lid on it! That's the message from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The group confirms that riding without a bike helmet …

Preparation is Key to Safe Winter Travel in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - It has been one of the mildest winters so far in decades, but you know what they say about Indiana weather: Wait a few minutes - …

Hoosier Environmental Leaders Identify Legislative Priorities

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana mass transit is an issue taking center stage at the Hoosier Environmental Council's annual "Greening the Statehouse" forum this…

Funding For I-69 To Put The Brakes On Other State Road Projects

INDIANAPOLIS - As the state moves forward with Section 4 of the extension of Highway I-69 across southwest Indiana, opposition continues to be raised…

Transportation Report: Retired and Housebound in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - In just a few years, a new report predicts, almost 80 percent of Indianapolis residents age 65 and older will live in neighborhoods …

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IN: Urban Planning and Transportation