Indiana Senate Bill SR0070

Indiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Passed: 3/8/22

Caption

A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the legislative council to assign the topic of coal ash contamination to the appropriate study committee.

Impact

The bill's introduction comes in light of alarming statistics, including that nearly all monitored coal ash sites in Indiana have contaminated groundwater, rendering it unsafe for drinking. The resolution reflects concerns over specific contaminants, such as molybdenum, lithium, boron, arsenic, and several others, which exceed safe drinking water limits. Furthermore, the bill draws attention to the historical Kingston Fossil Plant spill, which had catastrophic implications for both the environment and public health, solidifying the idea that proactive measures are necessary to avoid similar incidents in Indiana.

Summary

Senate Resolution 0070 urges the legislative council of Indiana to assign the critical issue of coal ash contamination to the appropriate study committee. The resolution highlights the serious implications of coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal, which poses significant risks to water safety due to its potential to leach toxic heavy metals into both groundwater and surface water. Given that Indiana leads the nation in the number of coal ash impoundments per capita, the resolution emphasizes the urgency for detailed examination and action regarding this environmental concern.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the wider implications of addressing coal ash contamination, particularly regarding regulatory measures for safe disposal practices. While the resolution does not mandate immediate changes to existing laws or practices, it sets the stage for potential legislative developments that could enforce stricter environmental standards. Some stakeholders may argue against regulating coal ash disposal on grounds of economic impacts versus public health considerations, positioning the bill within ongoing discussions about environmental justice and industry accountability.