Indiana Climate Links - 7/2/09

[Matthew Watkins]

--- Boone County wind farm issues examined
Understanding the basics of contract and property law are critical for Boone County landowners who are asked to lease their property for a wind farm, Indiana Farm Bureau representatives say. Jason Schneider, an IFB attorney, and Kelly L. Kepner, of the Purdue Extension Benton County office, gave a crash course in wind farm development concerns and considerations to about 100 persons recently at the Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds.

--- Green efforts springing up around the region
Community groups and businesses around Northwest Indiana shared their plans Tuesday night about green efforts around the region can spur economic development. About 50 people at Indiana University Northwest heard about a business creating solar-powered attic fans and unions helping their members get green technology training and lobbying for climate change legislation. All three efforts are happening in Northwest Indiana.

--- Purdue researchers identify chestnut tree as a great CO2 sequesterer.
The American chestnut tree, which towered over eastern U.S. forests before succumbing to a deadly fungus in the early 20th century, appears to be an excellent sponge for greenhouse gases, according to a new study. If scientists can develop a fungus-resistant version of the tree, the chestnut could play a key role in the battle against climate change, Purdue University scientists say.

[Matt Dunn]

Matthew- I have an opportunity to drive some traffic to a petition needing signatures or something of this sort regarding environmental issues in Indiana and I was hoping you might be have some ideas for me. I was hoping to find something relevant to Bloomington or nearby regarding land use and/or water policy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Matt Dunn

[e-mail]