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This is the WFHB Local News for Wednesday, January 12th, 2022.
Later in the program, Governor Eric Holcomb focused on the economy, education and the Covid-19 pandemic during last night’s annual State of the State address. More in today’s feature report.
Also coming up in the next half hour, Futurist Follies on Better Beware – your consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB Community Radio. More following today’s feature.
But first, Nathaniel Weinzapfel has your Environmental News Brief:
The Environmental Protection Agency has begun shutting down coal-burning power plants in the states of Ohio, Iowa, and Indiana. The power plant affected in Indiana is the Clifty Creek power plant in Madison. The reason that Clifty Creek and other power plants are being shut down is due to the toxic wastewater lakes that are a byproduct of the plants and frequently leak into the groundwater or nearby streams. The substance found in the wastewater lakes is coal ash, which is a toxic mix of arsenic, mercury, and other potentially dangerous heavy metals that can result in illness in both wildlife and humans. While this is a good step in stopping the pollution, a recent study released by multiple utility companies throughout the United States has found that contamination from coal plants is a widespread problem, occurring from the East Coast to Alaska.
According to Scrub Hub and the Indianapolis Star, now is the best time for Hoosiers to get their chance to see one of the United States’ greatest conservation successes: the bald eagle. Ever since the US bald eagle population reached its lowest number 50 years ago, the species has been protected and reintroduced in numerous states including Indiana. They now live in large numbers along the tributaries of the upper Mississippi River and other bodies of water. This includes a sizable population around Lake Monroe. Now is the best time to see the birds because they are easier to spot in the winter, as there are fewer leaves on the trees. The birds are also more numerous due to many of the eagles traveling south to escape some of the northern cold weather. There are bald eagle nests all over the state, so keep your eyes on the sky and you might be able to catch a glimpse of one.
A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has found that during 2021, the United States was impacted by 20 climate disasters that caused over $1 billion dollars of damage each, making it the third-costliest extreme weather year on record. These include such notable events as the Mayfield Kentucky tornado and Texas frigid cold electrical power blackout. Similarly, this year saw Colorado’s most destructive wildfire in its history, resulting in $10 billion dollars worth of damage. Around half of the entire United States population was impacted, often unknowingly, by a drought during most of last year. This report comes out at a time when President Joe Biden is trying once again to get West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin to support the climate and environmental policies in Biden’s ‘Build Back Better Plan.” Scientists predict that extreme weather events will become more frequent if climate change is not efficiently addressed.
Bloomington Commission on Sustainability
The Bloomington Commission on Sustainability welcomed Bloomington resident David Maenner to the commission at the January 11th meeting. There are still vacancies, and Chair of the commission Nejla Routsong encouraged interested individuals to apply.
During public comment Donald Eggert from the Bloomington Environmental Commission also discussed vacancies on their commission, and wanted to inform the commission on sustainability about some outreach they could be doing with the help of Outreach Coordinator Gillian Field.
Commission member Matt Flaherty updated the commission on the Bloomington City Council’s upcoming decision on whether or not to cut back on committees. Flaherty said he did not want the city council to get rid of the Climate Action Resilience Committee.
Commission member Colin Murphy agreed saying that eliminating committees is an inherently political move he does not support.
The next Bloomington Commission on Sustainability meeting will be held on February 8th.
Governor Holcomb Focuses on the Economy, Education and the Covid-19 Pandemic During State of the State Address
There are more people hospitalized with Covid-19 in Indiana than at any other point during the pandemic. However, during Governor Eric Holcomb’s State of the State address on Tuesday, things seemed relatively normal.
Last year, the governor pre-recorded the annual address without an audience due to the transmissibility of Covid-19 and safety concerns surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot.
In a packed House chamber, Holcomb touted the state’s economy while dodging topics that have caused division between the governor and Republican lawmakers, including legislation that would require employers to allow exemptions from Covid-19 workplace vaccine requirements.
Among the highlights of the night, the governor blustered the state’s economy. He said Indiana’s reputation is synonymous with sound fiscal management.
He claims that the state is a prospect for future investors and has seen a rise in GDP since he has taken office.
Despite low teacher wages in Indiana, Holcomb boasted record-high increases in spending on education in last year’s budget.
According to the National Education Association, Indiana ranks 38th in the nation for average teacher salary. Average teacher salary in Indiana is 53,000 dollars per year, while the national average for K through 12 teachers is 64,500 dollars per year.
The governor avoided mentioning two proposed bills in the Statehouse that would give parents more authority on classroom curriculum and prohibit various teachings on race and sex. He also dodged talking about several legislative efforts to limit or prohibit vaccine mandates.
Holcomb closed the speech on the topic of Covid-19. He said more than 19,000 Indiana residents have died from the virus, and he urged residents to get vaccinated and boosted.
He praised hospital workers who he said were “under siege” with Covid-19 hospitalizations at an all-time high in the state.
Holcomb seemed most personable when talking about the pandemic. He thanked Indiana residents for their resilience throughout the ongoing public health crisis.
Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers along with the state’s attorney general are working to end Indiana’s public health order.
Up next, Futurist Follies on Better Beware – your weekly consumer-watchdog segment on WFHB. We turn to host and producer Richard Fish for more.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Nathaniel Weinzapfel, Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Better Beware is produced by Richard Fish.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
