Baird looking to address Indiana's environmental issues

District 44 State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) attended the first interim meeting of the Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) to review a host of environmental issues facing the state.

The Environmental Quality Service Council is one of the interim study committees to which Rep. Baird has been assigned. Committee topics to be discussed include air quality, water quality, land use and hazardous chemicals.

The first committee meeting opened with the State of the Environment address given by Indiana Department of Environment Management (IDEM) Commissioner Thomas Easterly.

"Going into discussions within this committee, it is vital to have an overview of where the state of Indiana stands," Rep. Baird said. "I thanked the IDEM commissioner for addressing the committee and helping legislators to fully understand the issues."

The address recapped the air quality in Indiana, addressed the monitoring of the health hazards associated with particular lakes, the clean-up of illegally dumped waste, and the destroying of hazardous chemicals.

"I look forward to working with the rest of the council in the interim, especially since we made such progress during our first meeting," Rep. Baird said. "Open committee discussion among legislators help minimize regulatory action yet effectively address environmental issues."

As part of a movement to increase government transparency, summer study committees can be viewed over live stream at www.in.gov/legislative/2441.htm.

The next Environmental Quality Services Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30.