Eco Report – January 20, 2023

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HEADLINES

The Indiana Environmental Reporter says our state has taken small steps toward breaking its heavy reliance on coal and natural gas, but some worry a new bill will slow that transition and keep emission-spewing fossil fuels around for much longer.

—Norm Holy

The Herald-Times recently reported that the Department of Agriculture has approved the first U.S. vaccine to protect honeybees.

—Julianna Dailey

A proposed rule for “soot” could save lives in Indiana. The tiny particle pollution comes from things like cars, factories, and coal plants. It can harm your heart and lungs. Environmental groups say the Environmental Protection Agency could save many more lives with a stricter rule.

—Norm Holy

Renewable energy, climate change mitigation and ongoing efforts to improve statewide water quality are top issues for Indiana environmental advocates in the 2023 legislative session.

—Norm Holy

There are five environmental issues to watch in the legislature as the next session gets underway.

—Norm Holy

Energywire reports that Christmas week’s fierce “bomb cyclone” has put new urgency behind a critical issue for the nation’s power system — how grid owners and operators prepare for extreme weather emergencies.

—Norm Holy

Given that the oceans are greatly overfished, Vgarden, a food tech start-up based in Israel, has unveiled vegan tinned tuna made using pea protein.

—Norm Holy

CALENDAR

Participate in an Owl Prowl at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area on Saturday, January 21st, from 4:30 to 7 pm.  Meet at the Visitors Center to learn about owls; how they hunt at night and why they are important to our ecosystem.  Hopefully, you will get to see some Short-eared Owls over the prairie and spend some time calling to the woodland species.  Dress for the weather.

Enjoy the Friends’ Trail Hike at Brown County State Park on Sunday, January 22nd, from 11 to 11:30 am.  The naturalist will lead a short, ADA accessible hike on a paved sidewalk where you will get to see a vista not accessible by car, walk past an historic gatehouse and learn about the work Friends groups do for Indiana state parks.

The Winter Exploration Hike will explore the Southfork, Robertson Cemetery area of Monroe Lake on Wednesday, January 25th, beginning at 1 pm.  These off-trail hiking adventures have no “set” path with plenty of freedom to roam around.  The terrain can be rugged and there are no toilet facilities.  Register at bit.ly/weh-jan-25-2023.

The Eagles Over Monroe event returns with a full slate of programs and activities beginning on Thursday, January 26th, and running through Tuesday, January 31st.  Each day offers a special event or activity.  To learn about all the activities and to sign up, go to the DNR website.

Learn all about Backyard Birds at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Saturday, January 28th, beginning at 10 am.  Meet in the bird viewing room at the Nature Center to learn about feeding the birds and not the racoons.