A call for change

Friday, April 2, 2010
DePauw Environmental Policy Project participants Nic Flores, Christine Walker, Gary Pett and Jake Bonifield display a banner counting down the days until Earth Day 2010.

Government leaders call for Senate action on clean energy, climate

GREENCASTLE -- April 22 will mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

To gear up for the occasion, leaders from local and state government, as well as students who participated in the DePauw University Environmental Policy Project, gathered in front of the Putnam County Courthouse to call on the U.S. Senate to take action on clean energy and climate.

Students involved in the Environmental Policy Project did research and testified on environmental issues during the Indiana General Assembly session earlier this year.

"The students were very well-respected in the Statehouse," said State Rep. Nancy Michael. "They came with a lot of knowledge."

Baratta

One of those students was Anthony Baratta.

"This year, we need to make Earth Day not just a celebration, but a clean energy revolution," he said. "I know we can and must take action ... for my generation and for generations to come."

Michael said citizens needed to ask themselves some tough questions with regard to clean energy and climate.

"Are we doing enough personally, politically and professionally?" she asked. "It's obvious we need to make sure."

Kelsey Kauffman was the faculty advisor for the DePauw Environmental Policy Project.

"These are great kids," she said. "Some of the best at DePauw."

Michael and Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray urged the Senate to stop delaying and start moving to clean energy and cut the carbon pollution that threatens America's economy, security and climate.

"America is at a pivotal moment," Michael said. "For too long, we have been reliant on foreign sources to fuel our economy. We need to encourage our leaders to incorporate energy policies that will reduce our dependence on foreign energy and move us forward on the use of renewable energy sources. We must enact policies that address the environment, provide more protection for our national security and create jobs that will be long-lasting for our nation."

Murray agreed.

"Large oil companies and their special interest allies have for too long exhorted great influence on our national energy policies," she said. "I hope our lawmakers will listen to the millions of citizens who will celebrate Earth Day this year by working to pass a comprehensive climate and energy bill We need a meaningful Earth Day rededication, not just another celebration."

Michael urged constituents to give input on environmental issues.

"It's very much a welcome thing to hear from people to say they think it's OK to move forward with environmental policies," she said. "We really want to do the right thing."

Murray said although the steps toward clean energy have been small and have come slowly, change for the good is on the horizon.

"We started talking about this in 2008," she said. "We realized back then that we weren't quite ready. But now, people are engaged. We got our first stimulus dollars, and things are happening."

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  • why isn't the mayor and Ms. Michael worrying about all the vacant store fronts in downtown Greencastle and finding jobs for the unemployed instead of trying to change the planet?

    -- Posted by albert on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 7:09 AM
  • Wow I love the talking points from Rep. Micheals and Mayor Murray. Bash the oil companies and lobbiest. How about bashing the people in your political party for not allowing drilling anywhere in the United States where there is oil to be had. How about telling your party and your enviromental lobbyist that it is time to build more coal and nuclear power plants. Don't forget it was the late Ted Kennedy who when people were talk about putting up wind turbines of the coast of Mass. that said not in my backyard. More importantly no the Senate should not act on Cap and Trade legislation as it will cost more American jobs, send energy prices through the roof and more importantly not do a single thing to improve the enviroment. Furthermore, if the Senate were to pass this ridiculous bill it would be most damaging to the people that Murray and Micheals represent, as well as the 8th District on a whole. In this area we get over 90% of our energy from coal cap and tax would send our energy bill through the roof costing more people jobs and sending more peoples houses into foreclosure. We should all be stewards of the enviroment but I do not need the government telling me how to do this. My one last thought or more of a questions is to the students of Depauw and to Mayor Murray and Representative Micheals. Have you contacted Al Gore and discussed with him about how he needs to stop using a private jet and fly commercial? Have you spoken with Al Gore and told him that his house should not burn so much energy?

    This climate theory and those who believe in it would be better off getting themselves some real representation than those they have because I'm sorry I am not going to listen to Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid etc.. when they are some of the biggest polluters on the planet. You want enviromental policy to be taken seriously, get people out there in the front of the group who actually live by what they preach about. Until then, the majority of the American people will not take the time to listen to what you have to say.

    -- Posted by Heritage Lake Resident on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 9:02 AM
  • Carbon pollution-code word for carbon dioxide.

    Your exhaled breath.

    The fizz in your pop.

    The part of our atmosphere that the trees in "Tree City" need to grow.

    THAT carbon dioxide.

    What a brainwashed bunch of "experts"!

    -- Posted by davgreencastle on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 9:17 AM
  • This is a perfect example of what Nancy Michael stands for in our State Legislature. I don't know who will be running against her in the fall, but she needs to be retired.

    -- Posted by not gullible on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 3:51 PM
  • Notgullible, Jim Baird is running against Nancy Micheals in November. He is a good guy and will represent District 44 well.

    -- Posted by Heritage Lake Resident on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 10:16 PM
  • Heritage Lake Resident - My thoughts exactly!!

    YES!! Someone is running AGAINST Nancy! whoo hoo!! that's the best news I've heard all day!

    -- Posted by luv2bmom2001 on Fri, Apr 2, 2010, at 11:42 PM
  • Folks, don't forget to vote for Putnam County resident Dan Stockton who is running for United States congress here in Indiana's 8th District. Dan is running against 7 other Republicans in the Primary and he needs everyones vote!!!

    -- Posted by Heritage Lake Resident on Sat, Apr 3, 2010, at 10:14 PM
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