Target: Eric Holcomb, Governor of Indiana
Goal: Do not support effort to increase plastic waste burning which subsequently increases toxic air pollution.
A massive fire of unknown origin burned for days at an Indiana recycling and plastics resale warehouse. The building was reportedly full of plastics that may have unleashed extremely toxic levels of micro-pollutants known as fine particulate matter. Worries about air quality prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents, as ominous clouds of smoke blanketed nearby regions and debris was discovered in neighboring states.
Fine particulate matter is an immediate threat to any environment it contaminates, especially living and breathing organisms. It can build up in the blood and lungs and cause major chronic illnesses such as heart disease and respiratory distress. Despite these dangers made crystal-clear by the latest environmental disaster, Indiana lawmakers have pushed through a bill that could seriously compound the problem. Under the proposed law, many companies that burn plastic waste would be exempt from state laws governing solid waste disposal. As a result, even more citizens and environments would be exposed to hazardous air pollutants…with the express permission of state leaders.
This dangerous bill is currently sitting on the governor’s desk. Sign the petition below to demand these politicians rethink their damaging choices in the wake of this preventable catastrophe.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Holcomb,
The Department of Homeland Security, the Environmental Protection Agency, and legions of first responders have all converged on Richmond, Indiana as the nation watches. The fire at a plastics recycling facility may be contained, but the long-term damage is still unknown. Please take this incident as a flashing red warning about putting your signature to Senate Bill 472.
The fine particulate matter that resulted from the burning of plastic during this fire—or the burning of plastic anytime or anywhere—may sound unimposing, but the World Health Organization has listed these tiny pollutants that invade and accumulate in our bodies as a major global threat to human health and a leading cause of pollution-related death. You do not want to be the leader who signs off on unleashing this public health menace on an even more widespread and destructive scale.
Protect Indiana’s air quality and the well-being of its citizens. Veto this dangerous bill.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Mutanka Chasant
We have a right to clean air