This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, October 2nd, 2020.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty spoke with Katie Norris about her work at the Hotels for Homeless organization.

Also coming up in the next half hour, advocacy group Hoosier Action hosted a town hall featuring House District 60 candidates on contamination and health issues.

Bloomington City Council 

Bloomington City Council discussed the 2021 Civil City Budget for one hundred sixty-six million dollars. During the September 30th meeting, Controller Jeff Underwood said the formal budgeting process was state mandated.

Underwood stated the council could vote for, against, or make cuts to the budget. He mentioned an increase in the general fund overall budget request.

Underwood said the overall budget saw an approximately 4-million-dollar decrease, affected by a decrease in the Food and Beverage Fund. Underwood said overall changes from the August hearing were a 17-thousand-dollar Total Budget decrease and a 1-hundred and 36-thousand-dollar General Fund decrease. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith expressed disappointment with changes.

Piedmont-Smith expressed frustration in administrative collaboration with the budget process. Council member Matt Flaherty said the budget worked around Mayor John Hamilton’s priorities.

Flaherty stated council members deserve meaningful collaboration. He expressed desire for built in public engagement opportunities. Council member Stephen Volan expressed disappointment in policy initiatives from administration.

Volan said the administration should rework its council partnership. Council members recommended do-pass on the budget. Council members Steve Volan, Kate Rosenbarger and Matt Flaherty voted no, while Sue Sgambelluri and Isabel Piedmont-Smith abstained. Final budget approval will be held on October 14th.

Hoosier Action Superfund Cleanup Town Hall Welcomes House District 60 Candidates

On Wednesday, Hoosier Action hosted a town hall on contamination and health issues, featuring State Representative Peggy Mayfield and House District 60 candidate Tiffany Grant.

The town hall focused on the superfund site at Pike and Mulberry Streets in Martinsville - a 38-acre contaminated site that causes potential health risks for Martinsville residents.

House District 60 incumbent Peggy Mayfield, a Republican, said she is working on a more transparent public database when it comes to infrastructure.

"As I mentioned," she said, "one of my priority bills will be to work on establishing some sort of database that is more user-friendly."

Tiffany Grant, Democratic challenger for House District 60, discussed her background as a schoolteacher and how that informs her platform.

"I want to provide better funding to schools," she said, "especially who serve students who come from less-resourced areas."

Town hall moderator Tasha Coppinger, Morgan County organizer with Hoosier Action, provided background on the superfund site. She said Indiana is the second worst state in health risks from pollution.

"Morgan County, according to the CDC, has the highest rates of cancer in our state," said Coppinger.

She said the water in the city of Martinsville is filtered through a process called carbon filtration - bringing the contamination levels down to where the water is safe to drink.

However, Coppinger said there is a larger concern for Morgan County residents that causes health risks through a process called vapor intrusion.

"The larger concern that we have is in what is called vapor intrustion - which occurs when the water from the ground evaporates into the soil and can get into the air and peoples' homes," she said.

Coppinger said the contamination disproportionately affec...

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, October 2nd, 2020.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Aaron Comforty spoke with Katie Norris about her work at the Hotels for Homeless organization.

Also coming up in the next half hour, advocacy group Hoosier Action hosted a town hall featuring House District 60 candidates on contamination and health issues.

Bloomington City Council 

Bloomington City Council discussed the 2021 Civil City Budget for one hundred sixty-six million dollars. During the September 30th meeting, Controller Jeff Underwood said the formal budgeting process was state mandated.

Underwood stated the council could vote for, against, or make cuts to the budget. He mentioned an increase in the general fund overall budget request.

Underwood said the overall budget saw an approximately 4-million-dollar decrease, affected by a decrease in the Food and Beverage Fund. Underwood said overall changes from the August hearing were a 17-thousand-dollar Total Budget decrease and a 1-hundred and 36-thousand-dollar General Fund decrease. Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith expressed disappointment with changes.

Piedmont-Smith expressed frustration in administrative collaboration with the budget process. Council member Matt Flaherty said the budget worked around Mayor John Hamilton’s priorities.

Flaherty stated council members deserve meaningful collaboration. He expressed desire for built in public engagement opportunities. Council member Stephen Volan expressed disappointment in policy initiatives from administration.

Volan said the administration should rework its council partnership. Council members recommended do-pass on the budget. Council members Steve Volan, Kate Rosenbarger and Matt Flaherty voted no, while Sue Sgambelluri and Isabel Piedmont-Smith abstained. Final budget approval will be held on October 14th.

Hoosier Action Superfund Cleanup Town Hall Welcomes House District 60 Candidates

On Wednesday, Hoosier Action hosted a town hall on contamination and health issues, featuring State Representative Peggy Mayfield and House District 60 candidate Tiffany Grant.

The town hall focused on the superfund site at Pike and Mulberry Streets in Martinsville – a 38-acre contaminated site that causes potential health risks for Martinsville residents.

House District 60 incumbent Peggy Mayfield, a Republican, said she is working on a more transparent public database when it comes to infrastructure.

“As I mentioned,” she said, “one of my priority bills will be to work on establishing some sort of database that is more user-friendly.”

Tiffany Grant, Democratic challenger for House District 60, discussed her background as a schoolteacher and how that informs her platform.

“I want to provide better funding to schools,” she said, “especially who serve students who come from less-resourced areas.”

Town hall moderator Tasha Coppinger, Morgan County organizer with Hoosier Action, provided background on the superfund site. She said Indiana is the second worst state in health risks from pollution.

“Morgan County, according to the CDC, has the highest rates of cancer in our state,” said Coppinger.

She said the water in the city of Martinsville is filtered through a process called carbon filtration – bringing the contamination levels down to where the water is safe to drink.

However, Coppinger said there is a larger concern for Morgan County residents that causes health risks through a process called vapor intrusion.

“The larger concern that we have is in what is called vapor intrustion – which occurs when the water from the ground evaporates into the soil and can get into the air and peoples’ homes,” she said.

Coppinger said the contamination disproportionately affects low-income residents and people of color.

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 28th, 2020.

Later in the program, the Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down and spoke with Grier Carson in a socially distant interview. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up, a Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s segment, Mayor John Hamilton talks about the state moving into Stage 5 of its reopening plan. He also discusses a vigil held last week in remembrance of 39 community members who died while experiencing homelessness in Monroe County.

Local Headlines:

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said the COVID-19 positivity rate was three point five percent during the September 25th COVID-19 Press Conference. She said the county health order would remain the same in light of the new state order.

Caudill said violations of the gathering size limits should be reported to the non-emergency Bloomington Police Department phone number. She reported dine in bars and restaurants can NOT have bar top service and groups must remain six feet apart. Indiana University Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Kirk White mentioned IU campus flu vaccinations.

President of Indiana University Health South Central Region Brian Shockney said IU Health clinics are providing flu vaccinations.

The Monroe County Solid Waste Management board approved a resolution on September 23rd for a Rumpke Waste and Recycling resource recovery facility at 5220 S. Production Drive. Board member Cheryl Munson said this would not be a landfill.

Community member Lindsey Alexander questioned what the plant would include. She mentioned concerns about property value and odors. Rumpke Director of Business Development Ted Neura said the waste would be controlled.

Neura said surrounding land uses compliment their proposed use. Resident Denise Robertson mentioned road deterioration. Consultant Christina Selbert referenced a traffic study and pavement analysis. She mentioned procedures for facility maintenance.

The board’s approval deemed the facility as needed and in compliance with the districts solid waste management plan. Rumpke still requires approval from the Monroe County Commissioner, Planning Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Feature Reports:

The Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down with Grier Carson, Associate Director of the library, for a socially distant interview.

We present another installment of Few Minutes with the Mayor - where WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman talks to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton about local issues. In today’s installment, Mayor Hamilton talks about what Stage 5 means for Bloomington.

In addition, Foreman questions Hamilton on a vigil at the courthouse square in remembrance of the 39 community members living in Monroe County who died in the past year while experiencing homelessness.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News ,

Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats - Community Access Television Services.

Our features were produced by Kade Young and Sydney Foreman.

Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.

Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.

This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, September 28th, 2020.

Later in the program, the Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down and spoke with Grier Carson in a socially distant interview. That’s coming up in today’s feature report.

Also coming up, a Few Minutes with the Mayor. In today’s segment, Mayor John Hamilton talks about the state moving into Stage 5 of its reopening plan. He also discusses a vigil held last week in remembrance of 39 community members who died while experiencing homelessness in Monroe County.

Local Headlines:

Monroe County Health Administrator Penny Caudill said the COVID-19 positivity rate was three point five percent during the September 25th COVID-19 Press Conference. She said the county health order would remain the same in light of the new state order.

Caudill said violations of the gathering size limits should be reported to the non-emergency Bloomington Police Department phone number. She reported dine in bars and restaurants can NOT have bar top service and groups must remain six feet apart. Indiana University Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Kirk White mentioned IU campus flu vaccinations.

President of Indiana University Health South Central Region Brian Shockney said IU Health clinics are providing flu vaccinations.

The Monroe County Solid Waste Management board approved a resolution on September 23rd for a Rumpke Waste and Recycling resource recovery facility at 5220 S. Production Drive. Board member Cheryl Munson said this would not be a landfill.

Community member Lindsey Alexander questioned what the plant would include. She mentioned concerns about property value and odors. Rumpke Director of Business Development Ted Neura said the waste would be controlled.

Neura said surrounding land uses compliment their proposed use. Resident Denise Robertson mentioned road deterioration. Consultant Christina Selbert referenced a traffic study and pavement analysis. She mentioned procedures for facility maintenance.

The board’s approval deemed the facility as needed and in compliance with the districts solid waste management plan. Rumpke still requires approval from the Monroe County Commissioner, Planning Commission, and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Feature Reports:

The Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down with Grier Carson, Associate Director of the library, for a socially distant interview.

We present another installment of Few Minutes with the Mayor – where WFHB Assistant News Director Sydney Foreman talks to Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton about local issues. In today’s installment, Mayor Hamilton talks about what Stage 5 means for Bloomington.

In addition, Foreman questions Hamilton on a vigil at the courthouse square in remembrance of the 39 community members living in Monroe County who died in the past year while experiencing homelessness.

Credits:

You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News ,

Today’s headlines were written by Aaron Comforty and Sydney Foreman, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.

Our features were produced by Kade Young and Sydney Foreman.

Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.

Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.

The Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down with Grier Carson, Associate Director of the library, for a socially distant interview.

A hand sanitizer station greets people at the door. Staff and patrons wear masks while keeping their distance. Patrons use computers and browse the bookshelves.

Grier Carson, associate director of the Monroe County Public Library, talks about what limited reopening looks like. He discusses what limited in-person services entail, Covid-19 safety guidelines and how the library aims to protect at-risk patrons.

“What we’re doing now is reopening the doors so people have access to the physical collections,” he said.

Carson touched on library services patrons can still use in this limited reopening stage.

“Certainly all of the collections — so that would be books, DVDs, CDs, video games, audiobooks and all of the other kind of nuanced collections that we have.”

He talked about how the library aims to protect at-risk patrons — mainly by reserving the first hour of each day for at-risk people only.

“11 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day, except Sunday,” he said, “is reserved for high-risk people.”

Carson said the library will continue its outreach services — van deliveries and Bookmobile stops. Bookmobile, essentially a library service on wheels, offers collections of high-demand materials for people of all ages.

As for safety protocols, the library mandates masks to be worn at all times and requires social distancing. When asked about how the library would enforce those mandates, Carson said it will try to be empathetic but also firm.

“We’re going to do it gently but firmly,” he said. “If and when we do run into a sticky situation, we do have security on site.”

Items are quarantined for four days once they are returned. However, Carson asks patrons to do their part in order for library materials to stay sanitized.

“We’re saying to the public,” he said, “take personal responsibility for this equation.”

Carson mentioned how drive-up pickup has replaced curbside pickup. In the beginning of the pandemic, the library began to implement curbside pickup — which allowed people to check out books online.

However, they still had to go inside the library to pick up their books. Starting today, that will no longer be the case.

“If you want minimal contact with the library, particularly with staff - that’s your way to do it,” he said.

Back in March, the Monroe County Public Library began to waive late fees. Carson said late fees were extraneous and not an effective deterrent for late checkouts.

“The fine free initiative was actually independent of the pandemic,” he said. “It preceded the pandemic and it turned out to be a really good thing.”

Finally, Carson explained why the library is an important community resource in general but especially during a pandemic.

“It’s a democratizing institution,” said Carson, “and that’s incredibly important during a pandemic.”

The Monroe County Public Library reopened today with limited in-person services. WFHB News Director Kade Young sat down with Grier Carson, Associate Director of the library, for a socially distant interview.

A hand sanitizer station greets people at the door. Staff and patrons wear masks while keeping their distance. Patrons use computers and browse the bookshelves.

Grier Carson, associate director of the Monroe County Public Library, talks about what limited reopening looks like. He discusses what limited in-person services entail, Covid-19 safety guidelines and how the library aims to protect at-risk patrons.

“What we’re doing now is reopening the doors so people have access to the physical collections,” he said.

Carson touched on library services patrons can still use in this limited reopening stage.

“Certainly all of the collections — so that would be books, DVDs, CDs, video games, audiobooks and all of the other kind of nuanced collections that we have.”

He talked about how the library aims to protect at-risk patrons — mainly by reserving the first hour of each day for at-risk people only.

“11 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day, except Sunday,” he said, “is reserved for high-risk people.”

Carson said the library will continue its outreach services — van deliveries and Bookmobile stops. Bookmobile, essentially a library service on wheels, offers collections of high-demand materials for people of all ages.

As for safety protocols, the library mandates masks to be worn at all times and requires social distancing. When asked about how the library would enforce those mandates, Carson said it will try to be empathetic but also firm.

“We’re going to do it gently but firmly,” he said. “If and when we do run into a sticky situation, we do have security on site.”

Items are quarantined for four days once they are returned. However, Carson asks patrons to do their part in order for library materials to stay sanitized.

“We’re saying to the public,” he said, “take personal responsibility for this equation.”

Carson mentioned how drive-up pickup has replaced curbside pickup. In the beginning of the pandemic, the library began to implement curbside pickup — which allowed people to check out books online.

However, they still had to go inside the library to pick up their books. Starting today, that will no longer be the case.

“If you want minimal contact with the library, particularly with staff – that’s your way to do it,” he said.

Back in March, the Monroe County Public Library began to waive late fees. Carson said late fees were extraneous and not an effective deterrent for late checkouts.

“The fine free initiative was actually independent of the pandemic,” he said. “It preceded the pandemic and it turned out to be a really good thing.”

Finally, Carson explained why the library is an important community resource in general but especially during a pandemic.

“It’s a democratizing institution,” said Carson, “and that’s incredibly important during a pandemic.”

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, September 25th, 2020.

Later in the program, we present an excerpt from Bring It On - Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community.

This week, the Bring It On team welcomes a panel discussion for a program titled “Race in Monroe County and Beyond." Hosts Clarence Boone and William Hosea spend time peeling back the layers of racial understanding, conflict and harmony with a number of notable agents from the Bloomington area.

But first, today's local news brief:

Almost 1,200 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Thursday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. 18 new Covid related deaths were added to the state’s tally as well. Locally, Monroe County saw 25 new confirmed cases yesterday. Surrounding counties saw between zero and seven new cases.

***

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results, although county health officials say that they are in touch with the state health department and are trying to fix the reporting issue. The university reported that, since mid-August, 1,226 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone, and it reported an additional 587 positive tests. The university’s online Covid-19 dashboard does state how many of those positive tests belonged to unique individuals. For the past two weeks positivity is trending downward across all testing categories at Indiana University Bloomington.

***

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced on Wednesday that Indiana will be entering the final stage of its reopening plan this Saturday. In this stage all restaurants, bars, gyms, and venues will be allowed to open at full capacity. The size limit for social gatherings, which is currently 250 people, will also be lifted. The state-wide mask mandate, however, will still be in effect. It requires Indiana residents to wear facial coverings in public spaces.

***

Currently, the state considers Monroe County to have a high degree of community spread. While the state has not mandated that Monroe County enforce any Covid-19 related restrictions, the City of Bloomington’s restrictions on the size of gatherings and mask-wearing are still in effect.

MCCSC School Board Meeting - An Update on Virtual and In-Person Classes

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Doctor Markay Winston presented an update on virtual and in class learning to the Monroe County Community School Board. She spoke of four different teaching methods during their September 22nd meeting.

Winston said teachers created interactive online materials for students at home. Board member Sue Wanzer asked Winston about an increase in the teacher's workloads.

Superintendent Doctor Judith DeMuth said a certain number of school hours and one hundred and eighty days of school are required for each grade. She mentioned school days could be extended or added to accommodate teacher planning. Board member Keith Klein asked Winston about online success rates.

Board member Brandon Shurr asked about a mask policy for students. DeMuth said if a mask appears unfit, personal protective equipment could be provided to any student. She relayed M-C-C-S-C has a storage unit full P-P-E for students and staff.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board - A Final Plan for the Future of In-Person Classes to be Announced on October 2nd

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board approved the second nine-week learning plan during their September 21st School Board meeting....

This is the WFHB Local News for Friday, September 25th, 2020.

Later in the program, we present an excerpt from Bring It On – Indiana’s only weekly radio program committed to exploring the people, issues and events impacting the African-American community.

This week, the Bring It On team welcomes a panel discussion for a program titled “Race in Monroe County and Beyond.” Hosts Clarence Boone and William Hosea spend time peeling back the layers of racial understanding, conflict and harmony with a number of notable agents from the Bloomington area.

But first, today’s local news brief:

Almost 1,200 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Indiana on Thursday, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. 18 new Covid related deaths were added to the state’s tally as well. Locally, Monroe County saw 25 new confirmed cases yesterday. Surrounding counties saw between zero and seven new cases.

***

The county’s statistics do not appear to incorporate the vast majority, if any, of Indiana University’s Covid-19 testing results, although county health officials say that they are in touch with the state health department and are trying to fix the reporting issue. The university reported that, since mid-August, 1,226 positive cases had been documented at its Bloomington Campus alone, and it reported an additional 587 positive tests. The university’s online Covid-19 dashboard does state how many of those positive tests belonged to unique individuals. For the past two weeks positivity is trending downward across all testing categories at Indiana University Bloomington.

***

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced on Wednesday that Indiana will be entering the final stage of its reopening plan this Saturday. In this stage all restaurants, bars, gyms, and venues will be allowed to open at full capacity. The size limit for social gatherings, which is currently 250 people, will also be lifted. The state-wide mask mandate, however, will still be in effect. It requires Indiana residents to wear facial coverings in public spaces.

***

Currently, the state considers Monroe County to have a high degree of community spread. While the state has not mandated that Monroe County enforce any Covid-19 related restrictions, the City of Bloomington’s restrictions on the size of gatherings and mask-wearing are still in effect.

MCCSC School Board Meeting – An Update on Virtual and In-Person Classes

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Doctor Markay Winston presented an update on virtual and in class learning to the Monroe County Community School Board. She spoke of four different teaching methods during their September 22nd meeting.

Winston said teachers created interactive online materials for students at home. Board member Sue Wanzer asked Winston about an increase in the teacher’s workloads.

Superintendent Doctor Judith DeMuth said a certain number of school hours and one hundred and eighty days of school are required for each grade. She mentioned school days could be extended or added to accommodate teacher planning. Board member Keith Klein asked Winston about online success rates.

Board member Brandon Shurr asked about a mask policy for students. DeMuth said if a mask appears unfit, personal protective equipment could be provided to any student. She relayed M-C-C-S-C has a storage unit full P-P-E for students and staff.

Richland Bean Blossom School Board – A Final Plan for the Future of In-Person Classes to be Announced on October 2nd

The Richland Bean Blossom School Board approved the second nine-week learning plan during their September 21st School Board meeti...

 

Hours after the lawsuit was filed, IPL announced their compliance with EPA’s allegations and said that they would reduce their emissions at the Petersburg plant. Following this, EPA announced that Morgan County’s air quality is officially within federal standards.

The lawsuit has sparked interest on how the switch from coal to natural gas will have a significant effect on the air quality and the health of the surrounding community in Indianapolis. Coal-fired power plants such as IPL have been contributing to a nationwide issue of air pollution.

In the past decade, coal has been the fastest-growing energy source in the world. According to endcoal.org, between the years 2001 and 2010, the world consumption of coal increased by 45%.

Kerwin Olson of Citizens Action Coalition and Janet McCabe of IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute spoke out about the murkiness of government regulation for power plants and how that can affect not only the state but the country in terms of pollution and human health and enforcement for these companies.

“It’s absurd that a corporation could be allowed to violate their permit that frequently, that often and really face no consequences as a result. It’s a sad state of affairs for the regulatory regime not only in Indiana but also the country as a whole," Olson stated.

McCabe went on to say, "and those situations can lead to a lot of extra pollution that might have been preventative if the source had gone through a permitting process.”

Filed by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the complaint stated that IPL “failed to obtain the necessary permits and install the controls necessary” to reduce emissions that damage human health and the environment."

Details of the complaint made for violating the Clean Air Act included evidence of notices of violations that the EPA made to IPL in September of 2009, September 2015 and February of 2016. 

The utility released comments to IndyStar stating, “While IPL believes the actions at issue were taken in full compliance with the Act and applicable permits, it entered into the settlement agreement to resolve EPA’s claims and avoid uncertainties associated with litigation.”

On December 9th of last year, the Indianapolis Power and Light Company announced that they would be shutting down two of their biggest units at the Petersburg Super Polluter coal plant by the year 2023. 

The EPA recognized these plans and has explained that if IPL retires the two units before July 1st of 2030 then it will not need to install a new pollution control device -mentioned in the consent decree. 

The settlement made Monday is subject to a 30-day public comment period on the Department’s website and will still need final approval by the court. 

***

Executive Director of Citizens Action Coalition, Kerwin Olson spoke on behalf of the organization and explained how the lawsuit affects not only the companies and organizations involved but also the state and the health of Hoosiers and the environment in Indiana.

"With a permit, it only matters if someone is checking and frequently with air permit violations, those violations are initially noticed because of the opacity of smoke coming out of the smoke stacks. The oversight is pretty lax. Not enough air monitors set up, not enough inspections, and for the most part our regulatory regime is a self regulated regime if you will. It’s sort of a trust with very little verify," He said.

Olson explained to me the reason why coal is not the most efficient and even cheapest source of energy now,

 

Hours after the lawsuit was filed, IPL announced their compliance with EPA’s allegations and said that they would reduce their emissions at the Petersburg plant. Following this, EPA announced that Morgan County’s air quality is officially within federal standards.

The lawsuit has sparked interest on how the switch from coal to natural gas will have a significant effect on the air quality and the health of the surrounding community in Indianapolis. Coal-fired power plants such as IPL have been contributing to a nationwide issue of air pollution.

In the past decade, coal has been the fastest-growing energy source in the world. According to endcoal.org, between the years 2001 and 2010, the world consumption of coal increased by 45%.

Kerwin Olson of Citizens Action Coalition and Janet McCabe of IU’s Environmental Resilience Institute spoke out about the murkiness of government regulation for power plants and how that can affect not only the state but the country in terms of pollution and human health and enforcement for these companies.

“It’s absurd that a corporation could be allowed to violate their permit that frequently, that often and really face no consequences as a result. It’s a sad state of affairs for the regulatory regime not only in Indiana but also the country as a whole,” Olson stated.

McCabe went on to say, “and those situations can lead to a lot of extra pollution that might have been preventative if the source had gone through a permitting process.”

Filed by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the complaint stated that IPL “failed to obtain the necessary permits and install the controls necessary” to reduce emissions that damage human health and the environment.”

Details of the complaint made for violating the Clean Air Act included evidence of notices of violations that the EPA made to IPL in September of 2009, September 2015 and February of 2016. 

The utility released comments to IndyStar stating, “While IPL believes the actions at issue were taken in full compliance with the Act and applicable permits, it entered into the settlement agreement to resolve EPA’s claims and avoid uncertainties associated with litigation.”

On December 9th of last year, the Indianapolis Power and Light Company announced that they would be shutting down two of their biggest units at the Petersburg Super Polluter coal plant by the year 2023. 

The EPA recognized these plans and has explained that if IPL retires the two units before July 1st of 2030 then it will not need to install a new pollution control device -mentioned in the consent decree. 

The settlement made Monday is subject to a 30-day public comment period on the Department’s website and will still need final approval by the court. 

***

Executive Director of Citizens Action Coalition, Kerwin Olson spoke on behalf of the organization and explained how the lawsuit affects not only the companies and organizations involved but also the state and the health of Hoosiers and the environment in Indiana.

“With a permit, it only matters if someone is checking and frequently with air permit violations, those violations are initially noticed because of the opacity of smoke coming out of the smoke stacks. The oversight is pretty lax. Not enough air monitors set up, not enough inspections, and for the most part our regulatory regime is a self regulated regime if you will. It’s sort of a trust with very little verify,” He said.

Olson explained to me the reason why coal is not the most efficient and even cheapest source of energy now, with the future looking more green than ever:

“There’s the carbon emissions, methane emissions, and the impact on climate change. Indiana has certainly played a big role in exacerbating climate change over the years with our reliance on coal. That doesn’t include the…other toxic air em...