Faith in Action
The Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) shares the following legislative social justice focus areas:
We are nearing the halfway point in the 2021 Legislative session, there are two environmental bills that have been moving through the houses: SB389 and SB373.
SB 389 removes protections for wetlands. It is opposed by over 50 organizations, including the ICC. It has passed the Senate and has been referred to the House. Please contact your state representative to voice your opposition to this bill. You may find more information and use the voter voice on ICC's website: https://www.votervoice.net/INDIANACC/home.
You may also find additional information about the wetlands bill and its impact on the Hoosier environmental website: https://www.hecweb.org/bill-watch-2021/. Note also that HEC is hosting a weeklong Wetlands Action Week, encouraging people to take a picture of an isolated wetland near them and send it to their state rep.
SB373 provides the state to sell carbon credits, using the revenue to purchase forest land and assist our farmers in utilizing sustainable farming practices. This bill passed committee with bipartisan support. Contact your senator to urge them to support this bill. HEC's website gives a good summary of the program: https://www.hecweb.org/bill-watch-2021/
ICC is also following progress on improved regulation and management of coal ash (for more info on coal ash see https://www.hecweb.org/issues/environmental-health-justice/coal-ash/) and with the movement towards renewable energy, especially the bills on net metering. These bills have all been included in a summer study.
Remain aware to be the caring hands of God.
(Use your voice or your writing skills to make a difference.)
