WBIW.com News - state

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

Only 16 Show Up For Statehouse Environmental Rally

Last updated on Tuesday, April 1, 2008

(INDIANAPOLIS) - What was billed as a big environmental rally at the statehouse ended up more of an April Fools’ bellyflop.

"Fossil Fools Day" was touted as part of a day of coordinated protest in five countries, demanding action against climate change. In Indianapolis, just 16 people showed up, most of them well after the planned 11:00am start.

Citizens Action Coalition Executive Director Grant Smith blames the chilly weather, and the increasing use of email and other web-based communication -- he says that's made it harder to get people to turn out in person for rallies. He says it doesn't make the issue of climate change less significant -- he says a survey of 600 CAC members found three-quarters of them want aggressive action against global warming.

Protesters had planned to criticize Indiana's continued reliance on coal-fired plants, including a new coal-gasification plant in Edwardsport. That project has divided environmental groups, with some praising it as a cleaner energy source.

A second protest was scheduled at Vectren headquarters in Evansville.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page