So far in 2024 there has been three critical incidents at the BP Whiting refinery in Northwest Indiana. This facility along Lake Michigan is the 6th largest refinery in the US and one of the largest refiners of tar sands crude. There has been two leaks from the refinery in January and then on February 1st a total power failure forced the evacuation of the plant and the emergency burning of all 5 flare stacks. Billows of smog poured over Northwest Indiana and local residents are left dealing with the long term affects of the air pollution in their communities.

Indiana is one of the states suing the US Environmental Protection Agency in a case that has been fast-tracked by the US Supreme Court. This case seeks to block the "good neighbor" section of the Clean Air Act. This provision helps to protect people from severe health problems from air pollution that blows from a neighboring state. If this law is overturned that would remove an important environmental justice power for the EPA to stop the highest polluting states.

This has been a devastating month of the health of our Indiana communities. Our state showed disregard not only for the health residents of Indiana but the health of our neighbors. Your Northwest Indiana Green Party challenges the status quo in our state by putting our communities and our environment first. We stand for the Green New Deal that will end our state's reliance on not only fossil fuels but the industries that make those fuels. We support the work of environmental justice at the EPA. The Northwest Indiana Green Party works for the health of our communities because we know a greener nation begins IN Indiana.

Northwest Indiana Green Party
nwigreenparty.org