The Hoosier Environmental Council wants more voters to think “green” when they cast their ballot this November. The organization is highlighting issues, such as clean energy and natural resources, and the positions the candidates for governor are taking.
Jesse Kharbanda, executive director, says good environmental and economic policies go hand-in-hand in many instances.
"For example, clean energy is a fabulous opportunity for Indiana, where by we could improve our air and water quality, while at the same time providing jobs."
He says the group has invited the candidates for lieutenant governor to a forum on environmental issues. So far, Democrat Vi Simpson and Libertarian Brad Klopfenstein have confirmed they will take part.
Kharbanda says they will speak about challenges facing the state and possible solutions.
"We want the candidates to offer the contours of what they'll proactively push for in the legislative session. They don't necessarily need to give the details but they do need to come up with some concrete solutions, so that we truly have a path for moving forward in protecting the environment and improving the economy."
He says many people think protecting natural resources and fighting climate change are jobs-killers. However, Kharbanda says while environmental issues cut across many policy areas, it happens in a positive way.
"They impact our health, our quality of life, the ability to attract and retain dynamic talent, they're critical to revitalizing struggling, old industrial towns. They intersect so many aspects of our life."
The Hoosier Environmental Council's forum with the lieutenant governor candidates is Thursday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Indiana History Center. It will be streamed live online HERE.