Hoosiers in every corner of the state should take note of an alarming energy development at the LEAP AI data center site in Lebanon, Indiana. Meta, the company building the data center, recently submitted a permit to use 65 gas-powered engines as their primary source of power. To put this into perspective, the gas engine permit requests roughly 130 MW of power, which is about 14 times the amount of power used by the combined residential accounts of the entire city of Lebanon. 

HEC finds this concerning for three reasons.

So, what can you do about it? If you live in Boone County, make public comments at the hearing on Thursday, August 6 at  PM. You don't have to be an expert – you just have to be a concerned citizen! You can save this email and join the virtual call on Thursday with the button below. Need help preparing your comments? Contact Rebecca TeKolste, HEC's Senior Climate and Energy Director.  

If you're not a Boone County resident, keep an eye on any data center developments near you – and stay tuned. We'll keep you updated on all things data centers. 

Did you know that August is Water Quality Awareness Month? Established in 2005 by the EPA, August is the perfect month to get to know your H20 and level up your water quality advocacy. We're so excited to spend this month sharing water quality facts - and a few chances to fight for better water quality in the Hoosier state.

Ready to get started? Check out the events below.

From cover cropping to no-till practices, it's no secret that regenerative agriculture improves water quality. This August, we invite you to attend our one-day workshop on Tuesday, August 25, Regenerating the Land: Practical Solutions for Hoosier Farms. 

Join HEC and our partner, Ancilla Beef and Grain, on the tranquil campus of the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center in Plymouth, Indiana. Enjoy a lineup of expert speakers, networking opportunities, and a tour of operations at Ancilla Beef and Grain. 

Tickets cost $50 and include lunch and a light breakfast. Don't wait - grab yours today!

Regenerating the Land: Practical Solutions for Hoosier Farms

Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center on the Campus of Marian University Plymouth

When you think of water pollution, do you picture burning coal? Unless you live right next to a coal plant, you might not realize that the waste left behind from burning coal, called coal ash, contaminates groundwater with heavy metals when it's stored improperly. The CCR (Coal Combustion Residuals) rule, which was established by the EPA in 2015, regulated coal ash storage so no new coal ash could be stored wet in pits to protect groundwater. It also forced utilities to begin cleaning up "legacy" coal ash pits from before the EPA  established disposal requirements.

But the CCR rule is under attack. The EPA is to poised exempt roughly half of legacy coal ash units from requirements and reduce standards for sites that still have requirements, putting groundwater at grave risk for heavy metal contamination. It would also allow coal ash to sit in uncovered piles indefinitely and be used as fill - a base for construction projects - where it will contaminate water and soil, and blow in the wind, creating a breathing hazard.

Indiana has tens of millions of tons of coal ash, most of which is stored improperly and awaiting cleanup. That's why Hoosiers need to speak up - and August is the perfect month to do so. In less than 1 minute, you can reach out to your US Congress representatives. 

The events below are in Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise denoted.