Words from the Woods:
It’s hot out there and the trees and other plantings can suffer in this heat. Please give your trees several gallons of water this week. Even though we have had rain, sometimes the actual amount of rainfall can be spotty. Check your rain gauge and if it’s been less than an inch, water your trees and shrubs. They will thank you with CO2 removal, UV light protection, cool shade and life giving oxygen.
Carmel Green had these updates to share:
2040, a film documentary Join us this Thurs. June 16, 7:30 p.m. at Midtown Plaza in Carmel for the FREE screening of the uplifting documentary about climate solutions that exist today and what the world could look like in 2040! We’re excited to announce the Hoosier Environmental Council, Citizens Climate Lobby and CHS Green Action Club will be there. This is a great opportunity to get involved at CHS as well as the city, state and national levels!! Watch the trailer! Read more.
Carmel Students Call for Climate ActionYoung people are worried about how climate change will impact their future! These amazing students have met with Mayor Brainard and Carmel City Councilors to share their concerns and ask for a climate action plan. To support our young people, we’re collecting signatures on this petition which will be presented to the mayor and council members. Adults and youth are encouraged to sign! Please share with friends and family. Read more.
AES Indiana and the Petersburg Power Plant
Petersburg is one of AES Indiana’s power plants 125 miles southwest of Indiana. Most of its energy comes from burning coal and is one of 22 "Super Polluter" coal plants that release some of the most toxic pollution and greenhouse gases in the U.S. Exposure to these kinds of toxic emissions has been implicated in increased respiratory and heart problems, as well as premature births.
The Indianapolis Star reported in June 2020 that AES violated its water permit 120 times polluting the White River, a major source of fresh water with boron, selenium, cadmium and mercury. Groundwater monitors have identified heavy metals in the coal ash ponds that are leaching into groundwater.
In 2019 AES announced plans to keep burning coal at Petersburg until 2042 in its two remaining coal towers, despite requests from the mayor and the City-County Council to replace all of its coal with affordable renewable energy, Climate scientists have determined that carbon emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 to keep the worst effects of climate change from occurring.
Read More at https://coal.sierraclub.org to understand the problem. I will bring petitions on June 26 if anyone would like to let AES know that its customers want more clean renewable energy in its portfolio. Or consider submitting a customer concern through their website. You can reach out to Megan Anderson, coordinator, at Indiana Beyond Coal on Facebook.
Mary B, Creation Care Advocate