Eco Report – March 27th, 2026

Eco Report – March 27th, 2026

[https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ecoyouth-300x59.png]     Another GRO with GLO segment from WFHB Youth Radio, Gloria Chi speaks with Baptiste Arribe, CEO and co-founder of The New Materialist, a biomaterials design studio based in Eindhoven, Netherlands. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/plastic-pollution-pacific-gyre-garbage-patch-725x483-1-300x200.jpg] MIT DISCOVERS PLASTIC EATING BACTERIA Scientists at MIT have uncovered that marine bacteria could be crucial in addressing plastic pollution. Over half of the plastic produced ends up in landfills or the environment, including oceans. Biodegradable plastics, derived from renewable resources like corn or traditional materials designed to decompose faster, have surfaced as a solution. This type of plastic breaks down when microorganisms consume it, transforming it into simpler substances absorbed by the environment. However, the rate of decomposition is heavily contingent on the local bacterial community; different microbes play distinct roles in the breakdown process. Lead researcher Marc Foster noted this study identifies specific bacteria responsible for the degradation stages. The research began with a biodegradable plastic used in shopping bags and food packaging. Foster emphasized that the microbial environment determines the lifespan of the plastic. Subsequent research aims to identify effective bacterial combinations for quicker breakdown and understand how enzymes interact with plastic particles. These findings, published in Environmental Science and Technology, represent a significant step towards potentially engineering microorganisms to accelerate plastic degradation or repurpose it. The ocean may already possess solutions, but scientists must learn to harness them effectively.   [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/plastics-300x200.jpg] MORE PROGRESS ON PLASTICS Researchers at the University of Waterloo have found a way to convert plastic waste into acetic acid (the main ingredient in vinegar) through a sunlight-powered process that produces no additional carbon emissions. It works on the kinds of plastics most commonly found in the real world: PVC, polyethylene, and even mixed plastic waste. The inspiration for this solution came from nature specifically a fungus known for breaking down some of the toughest material found in wood. This fungus uses enzymes that can break down complex carbon structures. The research team mimicked that process using an iron-based catalyst and when exposed to sunlight, that material creates a chain of chemical reactions that transform plastic polymers into acetic acid. For those curious about what researchers can do with the resulting acetic acid, that’s where this process is even more beneficial. Acetic acid isn’t just vinegar, it’s a major industrial ingredient used in adhesives, solvents, synthetic fibers, and pharmaceuticals, being used in the millions of tons each year. By pulling it from waste plastic instead of fossil fuels, the process could offer both an environmental and an economic benefit. This cutting edge research is still at the laboratory stage with the goal of ultimately serving as a scalable, solar-driven recycling and environmental cleanup. Instead of treating plastic purely as waste, these researches are showing that it can be transformed into something useful.   [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nwf-logo-2023-298x300.png] VALPO WOMAN WORKS TO RECOGNIZE INDIANA A Valparaiso woman, Kathy Sipple, aims to have Indiana recognized for wildlife-friendly habitats, an effort to elevate the state’s environmental status. Historically, Indiana is not known for its environmental friendliness, with industrial pollution, brownfields, and poor rankings in various environmental metrics, placing it in the bottom 10% among all states. Sipple, who has already secured National Wildlife Federation recognition for the Northwest Indiana area—specifically Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Starke counties—now seeks to make Indiana the first state certified as a wildlife habitat. She emphasizes the potential pride in transforming Indiana’s reputation. The initiative, known as the Hoosier Habitats Challenge, began on March 7 at an Indiana Wildlife Federation conference, gaining early interest from participants. For a home to receive certification, it must meet specific criteria outlined by the National Wildlife Federation. Though native plants are encouraged, they are not necessary for certification. Sipple, who works part-time as a resiliency coordinator for Earth Charter Indiana, highlights urgent environmental issues, such as the implications of pesticide use and habitat loss on bird populations, along with Indiana’s serious water pollution problems, which pose significant challenges to achieving these goals. AND NOW FOR SOME UPCOMING EVENTS: * Timber! Understanding the Timber Rattlesnake program is planned for Saturday, March 28th, from 2 to 3 pm at the Brown County State Park Nature Center. Get up close and personal to learn about Indiana’s most venomous and most misunderstood snake. There will be live animals during this program. * Learn about the Silly Spotted Salamander at McCormicks Creek State Park on Sunday, March 29th, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the Nature Center. Salamanders are on the move. Find out how weather causes them to march to vernal pools. * Conserving Hoosier Amphibians with Project WET, WILD, and Learning Tree is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, from 5 to 9 pm at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area. Discover the amazing amphibians that call Indiana home, including the state endangered species like the crawfish frog. Learn all about conservation efforts. * Take a Full Moon Hike at Spring Mill State Park on Friday, April 3rd at 9 pm. Hike under the Full Pink Moon on Trails 1, 4, 2, and 5. Learn the history and lore of the Full Pink Moon. * Attend an Exploring Geodes activity at the Paynetown State Recreation Area at Monroe Lake on Saturday, April 4th, at 2 pm. Learn how geodes form and whats inside them, plus you will get to crack one open.   ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org [earth@wfhb.org].   CREDITS: ON AIR………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY ON AIR………………….…….CYNTHIA ROBERTS HEADLINES……….CARRIE ALBRIGHT & RICH BENAK FEATURE REPORT……………………………..GLORIA CHI SCRIPT………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY EVENTS CALENDAR……………………..JULIANNA DAILEY ENGINEER……………………………RICH BENAK

Eco Report – March 20, 2026

In this week’s Eco Report feature we hear from Madeline Hirschland about Electrify Indiana, a volunteer-driven not for profit organization in Bloomington, Indiana. [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Environmental-Reports.png] A three-year project is beginning in south-central Indiana to save the Cerulean Warbler. It is a little blue bird that weighs about 9 grams and lives in the hardwood forests of Brown County and parts of Monroe, Lawrence, Morgan and Bartholomew counties.It is not listed as federally endangered, but the species has lost 70% of its population in the last 50 years, mostly because of habitat loss. Edward Oehlman, who works for the American Bird Conservancy is coordinating a national and international group to figure out how to bolster the warbler’s population. What is happening with the cerulean warbler is happening with all birds. More than 3 billion birds in the US and Canada have disappeared. The Brown County hills area has been chosen for the project because it is the last remaining stronghold of breeding habitat for the warbler in Indiana. Demonstration sites are being created where researchers can document the life of cerulean warblers and also bring people to show them what’s needed to benefit the warblers. Before the cerulean warblers get into their nesting season, researchers will put up mist nets in the warblers flying paths. This will allow the researchers to put small “backpacks” on the birds that will provide information as they migrate. The information collected from these small backpacks will provide key areas where the birds stop while migrating. The cerulean warblers are hard to watch because they stay mostly in tree tops. The male is blue with a white neck and belly area. It has a thin blue necklace area around the neck. The female is mostly yellow and gray. The best way to see them is to watch them swoop down to catch insects and caterpillars far below. A Westland, Michigan, company is providing what it calls an environmentally responsible way to cremate families’ beloved, deceased pets, with the nation’s first fully electric pet cremation system. EverGreene Pet Cremation of Westland’s all-electric cremation machine, is built in the Netherlands and shipped to the United States. The facility was built to focus exclusively on companion animal aftercare, with a comfortable environment for families and veterinary partners navigating end-of-life arrangements. They offer private cremation options, with transparent tracking throughout the process. This way, a person knows that the ashes they receive are from their pet. The 13 states that make up the western United States now have the chance to create a cheaper, more reliable and far cleaner electric system. That’s thanks to the September passage of California legislation. At present, the flow of electrons across the region is controlled by more than three dozen separate power authorities. The new legislation, which passed with bipartisan, almost unanimous support, will enable these authorities to connect, creating a West-wide electricity market. A West-side grid could save consumers up to $1 billion a year while cutting climate pollution by as much as 39%, according to estimates from the California Energy Commission. In previous years, the legislation stalled because stakeholders who supported the idea didn’t agree on the details. The Environmental Defense Fund brought to the table utilities, consumer advocates, public interest groups, transmission providers and others to address their concerns. “This was very much EDF taking a big swing and finding a way that worked,” said Michael Colvin, EDF’s California energy policy advocate. The Indiana Forest Alliance has a brand new executive director. He is Jason Flickner who is from Indiana and went to school at IU. He previously worked as the director and waterkeeper for the Lower Ohio River Waterkeeper, a nonprofit to enforce the Clean Water Act along the Ohio River. In the past he has been an IFA board member, volunteer and conservation director. He believes strongly in promoting the preservation of Indiana’s old-growth forest and now he wants to continue along in this same direction by expanding the Charles C. Deam Wilderness into the Hoosier National Forest and designate it as the Benjamin Harrison Recreation Area which will restrict timber harvest activities and more. He wants to replicate Forests For Indy in cities and towns around Indiana and the nation, water quality monitoring data collection in hellbender salamander habitat in the Blue River watershed, Indiana bat population identification, and Ecoblitz planning and execution. His goal right now is to connect forest health to public mental and physical health, expand eco-tourism in Indiana, promote endangered species awareness, and engage IFA with national and international environmental protection nonprofits and issues that involve indigenous tribes and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in environmental and nonprofit leadership. Water is the defining element of our lives: we use it every day in our households, businesses, and industries. Water is required to generate power, operate technology, manufacture goods, grow food, wash dishes, do laundry, bathe, recreate, and drink. Yet despite its critical importance, many of us turn a blind eye on the longstanding issue of water pollution. Hoosiers know that while Indiana’s water is drinkable, stepping into surface waters is another story. From muddied creeks to fish kills to closed beaches, water quality in Indiana has a tumultuous history. Luckily, the state has a relatively robust monitoring network, providing insights on the extent of water pollution. It is no secret that Indiana’s water suffers heavily from pollution. Indeed, the most recent water quality assessment, conducted every two years as part of requirements under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA),revealed that 70 percent of assessed rivers and streams are considered unsafe for swimming or recreation in the state. Additionally, Indiana’s groundwater tested positive for several pollutants at sampling locations throughout the state, including nitrogen, arsenic, pesticides, and herbicides. Those pollutants, along with many others that may remain unregulated or untested, come from a variety of sources which are deemed “high priority” due to their environmental risk. According to IDEM, high priority pollutant sources that impair Indiana’s groundwater include: * Commercial fertilizer applications * Confined animal feeding operations * Animal manure applications * Landfills and underground storage tanks * Septic systems * Shallow (Class V) injection wells * Industrial facilities * Material spills * Salt storage and road salting On a national scale, Indiana’s water pollution remains a problem. A report released in 2022, which analyzed water quality data, revealed that Indiana had the highest number of polluted rivers and streams in the nation—a total of 24,395 miles. Another report, released in 2020, ranked Indiana as the second state with the most toxic releases into our waterways. With the new regulations, we will become the first state with the most toxic releases into our waterways. That’s something we should brag about!!!![https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Electrify-Indiana.tiff]https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Electrify-Indiana.tiffIn this week’s Eco Report feature we hear from Madeline Hirschland about Electrify Indiana, a volunteer-driven not for profit organization in Bloomington, Indiana. [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/istockphoto-1330037328-612x612-1.jpg] * Celebrate the Spring Equinox at Spring Mill State Park on Saturday, March 21st, beginning at 1 pm in the Lakeview Activity Center. Get outside and enjoy a hike and put winter behind you. * An Ogle Lake Hike is scheduled at Brown County State Park on Saturday, March 21st, from 2 to 3:30 pm. Hike Trail 7 around Ogle Lake and learn the history of the lake while learning about the animals that make the lake their home. *  It’s mushroom time! Learn about Gilly Mushrooms at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, March 22nd, from noon to 12:30 pm in the Nature Center. Discover the different parts of a mushroom while creating art. *  There will be an Insect Station at McCormick’s Creek and State Park on Friday, March 27th, from 2 to 4 pm in the Nature Center. Insects come in all shapes and sizes. Learn about these fascinating creatures and why they are so important. *  Timber! Understanding the Timber Rattlesnake program is planned for Saturday, March 28th, from 2 to 3 pm at the Brown County State Park Nature Center. Get up close and personal to learn about Indiana’s most venomous and most misunderstood snake. There will be live animals during this program. Credits: On Air…………………………………Julianna Dailey On Air…………………………………Preston Rogers Headlines………………………………..Carol Kugler Headlines…………….Environmental Defense Fund Headlines……………………………..Julianna Dailey Feature Report……………………….Julianna Dailey Script………………………………….Julianna Dailey Events Calendar……………………..Julianna Dailey Engineer……………………………Branden Blewett ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Eco Report is  looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org [earth@wfhb.org].

Eco Report – March 6th, 2026

[https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WinterBlooms-NolanCalischPhoto-WEB-32-225x300.jpg]Part 2 of EcoReport’s Carrie Albright interview with Emily Winter, owner of Winter Blooms Flower Farm, about how she cares for the soil and water surrounding her flower farm and the role she takes in considering the future of the land. ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS BARNEBY WOODS ADDED TO SYCAMORE LAND TRUST Sycamore Land Trust – Conservation Law Center [https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.qANxNhWFVo6lU9XbukK0sAHaE8?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3]   Barneby Woods in Owen County has become the ninth Sycamore Land Trust preserve to receive the designation of protection against future land use. The 160-acre property was owned by Karl Barneby and Laura Fredenhall of Terre Haute. “State dedication of Barneby Woods will add meaningful protection to a place that holds tremendous ecological value for southern Indiana,” said Alex Sienkiewicz, executive director of Sycamore Land Trust. The property has never been logged and it has a mature upland forest with beech trees that are approaching old-growth size, which is 12 inches at 4.5 feet above ground. There are four streams on the property which flow into ravines, with one having an 8-foot-tall waterfall. There are many sensitive plants and ferns as well as small earthsnakes, spotted salamanders and eastern box turtles. At this time, the Preserve is not open to the public to protect the sensitive natural area. Future plans may include the addition of trails, but no timeline has been established.   TRUMP ADMIN ROLLING BACK REGULATION Global-Warming-from-Factory-Smoke-Stack-Pollution | captaink… | Flickr [https://live.staticflickr.com/5463/9149348974_17b7be6469_b.jpg] The Trump administration announced on February 20th that it will roll back air regulations for power plants that limited mercury and hazardous air toxins, which he claims will boost energy. However, it will cause public health harm for America’s most vulnerable groups. The Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule from 2012, would reduce allowable mercury pollution from the coal plants by 70%; cut emissions of nickel, arsenic, lead and other toxic metals from coal plants by two-thirds; and result in health cost savings of $420 million through 2037, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Utilities had been phasing out again coal-fired generators, which are major sources of mercury and carbon emissions, but Trump has promised to reduce barriers to meet rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. Trump declared an “energy emergency” in 2025 to justify moves to keep open aging coal plants. Sixty-eight coal plants have been granted exemptions. The EPA also recently announced it was repealing the “endangement findings,” which gave the agency the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and the White House power from coal plants for military use. Coal-firing power plants are among the largest sources of hazardous air pollution, including mercury, lead, arsenic and acid gases, as well as major sources of benzene, formaldehyde, dioxins and other organic hazardous air pollutants. Coal plants generate less than 20% of U.S. electricity, according to the Energy Infomation Administration. Indiana already has one of the worst records for air pollution.   INDIANA BILL PUTS WILDLIFE DECISIONS WITH HOMELAND SECURITY Indiana Natural Resources Commission to meet at Spring Mill State Park ... [https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.GiJOAEo0gJBd7Y0iP8_i_gHaFk?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3]     The Indiana Natural Resource Commission (NRC) is responsible for designating nature preserves, setting camping fees, and guiding state law interpretation. Proposed House Bill 1003 aims to dissolve the NRC and other state boards, raising concerns among conservation advocates about reduced public involvement in decision-making processes. Dan Boritt, the executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation, highlights the NRC’s role in gathering public feedback, emphasizing that its members are passionate residents who engage with Indiana’s natural resources. Stephanie Flittner, general counsel for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), states that while the DNR is neutral regarding the bill, they believe the NRC has become unnecessary since DNR now employs experts who make recommendations formerly carried out by the NRC. Ginger Murphy from the Indiana Parks Alliance points out that the NRC’s regular meetings provide transparency and bring together diverse expertise from citizen members and state agencies, enhancing decision-making for Indiana’s resources. Additionally, the bill proposes to abolish the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Homeland Security, which raises concerns among architects about the loss of oversight by a varied group of experts familiar with complex building codes.   ANOTHER INVASIVE SPECIES! Maryland Biodiversity Project - Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) [https://objects.liquidweb.services/images/202008/inat_1596406740-5f2754db28837.jpg] I thought we were done with educating you about invasive species, but one slipped through because it is new to Indiana. It is kudzu. I grew up in Georgia where it grew everywhere. My father battled it for the twelve years we lived there. I can tell you, as a child, I loved it! It was the best vine for swinging in the trees. I became Tarzan. Kudzu is starting to grow now in Indiana. It is called the “vine that ate the south.” As it grows in an ecosystem, the plant coats once-vibrant and biodiverse forests in a monoculture carpet. If you have ever driven down to Florida, you have seen entire forests completely covered with vines that have large leaves and cast too much shade for native plants to survive underneath. The trees look like they have blankets on them. Kudzu is starting to take hold in southern Indiana, however, there is a small town outside Bloomington, heading north on old 37 that has it growing along a hillside. So, it is adapting to our weather. The best way to get rid of it is with herbicides, but even with herbicides, it comes back the following year. It is an ongoing battle, and you have to keep at it in order to control it. The Indiana DNR say they are starting to see native trees coming up in areas where they have continued the battle with kudzu. To quote, “It is rewarding to see the wins. However small they may be.”   AND NOW FOR SOME UPCOMING EVENTS: * The next Winter Hike Series at Brown County State Park is the Tornado Hike on Saturday, March 7th, from 11 am to 1 pm. Bring your dog as you learn about the May 16th, 2025 tornado that hit Brown County State Park * Learn about Karst Topography at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, March 8th, from Noon to 1 pm. Meet in the Nature Center to find out how water shaped the land. * A workshop on The Joy of Journaling is planned for Tuesday, March 10th, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Allison-Jukebox Community Center. Learn how to record your upcoming growing season in a garden journal so you will remember what works and what doesn’t work for next year. Register at bloomington.IN.gov/parks. * Take a Winter Wander Hike to Combs Road in Norman, Indiana at Monroe Lake on Friday, March 13th, beginning at 1 pm. This is an off-trail hike with no known path to follow. Keep in mind, there are no restroom facilities. Register at tinyurl.com/winterwanderhikes. * The Sassafras Audubon Society is having a Woodcock Walk at Flatwoods County Park on Saturday, March 14th, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Experience the mesmerizing “sky dance” of these elusive birds as they perform their aerial courtship.   ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org [earth@wfhb.org].   CREDITS: ON AIR………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY ON AIR………………….…….CARRIE ALBRIGHT HEADLINES……………..CAROL KUGLER, JULIANNA DAILY & RICH BENAK FEATURE REPORT……………………………..CARRIE ALBRIGHT SCRIPT………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY EVENTS CALENDAR……………………..JULIANNA DAILEY ENGINEER……………………………RICH BENAK

Eco Report – February 27, 2026

[https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WinterBlooms-NolanCalischPhoto-WEB-32-225x300.jpg]     In this weeks episode, hear the inspiration, challenges, and beauty that fill the daily life of flower farmer, Emily Winter, of “Winter Blooms,” produced by Carrie Albright.       ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS MORE ON INDIANA’S INVASIVE SPECIES Callery PearFree picture: canyon, cliffs, trees [https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th/id/OIP.0ZCbhMcWgay20jBxWeawlwHaF7?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3] Indiana’s report on invasive species highlights the Callery Pear, introduced in the early 1900s, which has become dominant due to cross-pollination with the more popular Bradford Pear. This species poses a threat to various ecosystems. Biologists urge residents to remove these trees to manage their spread. Other invasive species in Indiana include English Ivy, Canada thistle, white mulberry, burning bush, and autumn olive. Residents can seek help from the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management for managing these plants. —Rich Benak   [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tyjf-300x187.jpg]OHIO RIVER RESTORATION PROGRAM ACT Indiana Senator Todd Young and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman have introduced the bipartisan Ohio River Restoration Program Act, aimed at protecting and restoring the Ohio River Basin. This act will establish an office within the EPA to coordinate efforts among states, local governments, tribal nations, and environmental groups. Key objectives include habitat restoration, farm conservation, invasive species management, and enhanced pollution prevention. The program also seeks to expand monitoring and data collection across the 14 involved states, while funding workforce development and job training in water protection. Supported by numerous environmental organizations, this legislation acknowledges the necessity of coordinated efforts for the waterways critical to southern Indiana communities. —Carrie Albright   Engine Rooms with gears image - Free stock photo - Public Domain photo ... [https://ak4.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/26509634/thumb/1.jpg]OUR AI USE HAS A COST In 2026, discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) encompass its widespread presence, including its environmental impact. An analysis by Earth Day reveals that around 25 billion prompts are sent to ChatGPT daily, consuming energy equivalent to powering an LED bulb for two minutes per text prompt. Image creation requires about 2 watt hours, comparable to running a microwave for 10 seconds, while generating AI videos consumes enough energy to recharge a smartphone 90 times. Significant water usage is also noted; each 100-word AI prompt consumes approximately one bottle of water. Microsoft reportedly used 700,000 liters of fresh water just to train one version of ChatGPT. Data centers now consume over 4% of total U.S. electricity, with projections suggesting a rise to between 7 and 12% by 2028, and they use between 11 and 19 million liters of water daily for cooling, equivalent to the daily consumption of a town with 30,000 to 50,000 residents. While tech giants like Google and Microsoft claim AI could aid in climate crisis resolution by enhancing energy systems and reducing emissions, a report by environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth, analyzes 154 such claims, finding that 74% are unproven and 36% lack evidence. The report emphasizes that generative AI systems, which require significantly more energy, are being adopted in place of traditional low-impact tools. The growing demand for AI fosters the extension of coal plants and concessions to the natural gas industry. Despite corporate influence on energy and water consumption associated with AI, individuals are urged to make informed decisions to conserve both resources through responsible AI usage. —Carrie Albright AND NOW FOR SOME UPCOMING EVENTS: * Enjoy a Maple Syrup Made Easy class at the RCA Community Park in the large shelter on Saturday, February 28th, from 1 to 2pm. Learn how to make maple syrup during this hands-on workshop. Sign up at bloomington.IN.gov/parks. * Take a Full Moon Hike at Brown County State Park on Saturday, February 28th from 7 to 8 pm. Meet at the Olympic Pool Parking lot to learn the history and lore of the March Full Worm Moon. * There will be a Snake Rattles program at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, March 1st, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Learn about the snakes that have rattles and the one’s that don’t but still shake their tails. * The next Winter Hike Series at Brown County State Park is the Tornado Hike on Saturday, March 7th, from 11 am to 1 pm. Bring your dog as you learn about the May 16th, 2025 tornado that hit Brown County State Park. * Learn about Karst Topography at McCormick’s Creek State Park on Sunday, March 8th, from Noon to 1 pm. Meet in the Nature Center to find out how water shaped the land. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES? Eco Report is looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producer to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and other champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana. All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships. To volunteer for Eco Report, call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail earth@wfhb.org [earth@wfhb.org]. CREDITS: ON AIR………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY ON AIR………………….………………CYNTHIA ROBERTS HEADLINES……………………………..CARRIE ALBRIGHT HEADLINES……………………………..RICH BENAK FEATURE REPORT……………………………..CARRIE ALBRIGHT SCRIPT………………………………….JULIANNA DAILEY EVENTS CALENDAR……………………..JULIANNA DAILEY ENGINEER……………………………RICH BENAK

Eco Report – February 20, 2026

This is Eco Report for Friday, February 20th, 2026. Coming up later in the program, Gloria Chi, known on WFHB as Glo With Flo, talks about the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference she attended. And here are your weekly environmental reports: Asian Bush Honeysuckle: Invasive Species in Indiana By Rich Benak Asian Bush Honeysuckle [https://www.mc-iris.org/uploads/4/1/1/8/4118817/lonicera-maackii-peter-dziuk-9_orig.jpg] As we continue our lesson on invasive species in Indiana, we will now teach you about the Asian bush honeysuckle. The thing about honeysuckle is you can see it in the winter. The leaves stay green. That makes it easy to see. “Every single county has Asian bush honeysuckle within probably 200 feet of where you are sitting according to Ellen Jacquart, a retired botanist and president of Monroe County – Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS). There are three species in the US: Tatarian honeysuckle from Russia, the Morrow’s honeysuckle from Japan and the Amur honeysuckle from China. We have the Amur honeysuckle. The plant grows quickly and spreads large patches into the understory, crowds out native plants and small trees. You can combat the Amur honeysuckle by completely digging up the plant, roots and all. If you don’t, it comes back. Another invasive species is the Oriental Bittersweet. It was brought to the US from the lowlands of Eastern Asia. It is a thick, snarling vine that produces bright yellow leaves and orange berries. People like to use them for holiday wreaths. Birds and other wildlife eat the berries and spread the seeds, so now it is taking over our national and state parks, forest floors and natural areas. Oriental Bittersweet like sunlight, so it tends to snake up into the trees. The vines can grow up to six inches in diameter and it can cut off a tree trunk’s ability to transport water internally. Once it gets into the treetops, it spreads far and wide and blocks out the sun. This is another plant that must be completely dug up and destroyed. I have heard that some people simply cut the vine, which, of couse would kill the plant up in the trees, but the roots will continue to grow and the vine will come back. Climate Report: Winters Are Getting Colder By Caitlin Looby 48 Hours in Bloomington this Winter | Shopping & Attractions [https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_limit,h_1200,q_75,w_1200/v1/clients/bloomington/Campus_Jan2018_1_3f399b2e-de9c-4c0e-9fe1-123339fc2d04.jpg]Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington. A new Climate Central analysis shows that winters across the United States are getting noticeably shorter, with 80% of 245 studied cities losing an average of nine winter days compared to the period from 1970–1997. The Great Lakes region—including Milwaukee—is among the fastest‑changing, experiencing warmer, wetter winters with less snow. Alaska saw the most dramatic shifts, with Juneau’s winter shortening by 62 days and Anchorage’s by 49. Scientists note that winter research on the Great Lakes is difficult due to hazardous conditions, but multiple studies confirm rapid changes: winters have shrunk by more than two weeks, and Lakes Michigan and Huron no longer reliably form winter layers. Ice cover has steadily declined over the past 50 years, threatening the region’s $7 billion fishing industry, coastal infrastructure, and increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms. The report emphasizes that climate change—driven largely by fossil fuel emissions—is the primary cause of these shifts. However, recent actions by the Trump administration, including the EPA’s repeal of its finding that greenhouse gases contribute to climate change and the omission of climate change from the latest State of the Great Lakes report, make monitoring these impacts more difficult. Indianapolis Residents Push Back Against Data Center By Carrie Albright Indianapolis residents push back against data center by unknown company [https://www.wfyi.org/files/wfyi/articles/original/data-center-art.jpg]Photo courtesy of WFYI For months, residents in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood on Indianapolis’ northeast side have pushed back against a proposed 14-acre data center from Metrobloks. The project faces a key rezoning hearing on Thursday. As the date nears, community members are calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to intervene in the historically Black neighborhood’s latest development fight. T hey argue the development could permanently reshape the neighborhood, which has long battled a history of pollution left behind by industrial development.”We don’t want any more closed-door deals,” said Shonna Majors, executive director of the Brightwood Community Center, who formerly worked for the city as a part of the Hogsett administration’s violence prevention initiative. “We live here, we work here, we play here, we worship here,” Majors said during a press conference Tuesday at the Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation. But the Hogsett administration said they won’t be getting involved in rezoning issues. Following the precedent set by previous administrations, this administration does not get involved in zoning decisions, spokesperson for Hogsett wrote in a statement. “Zoning is a highly technical process that involves multiple steps, reviews, and approvals from bodies like the Metropolitan Development Commission and in some cases the City-County Council.” Paula Brooks with the Hoosier Environmental Council disagreed. She said the data center proposal is not just about land use. She points out that Hogsett also chairs Indy Economic Development, a city-affiliated nonprofit that helps shape large-scale development projects. “This is not a zoning decision,” Brooks said. “This is a transformational industrial project, a heavy industrial project that will transform this neighborhood, and not for the better.” Residents of the community say the proposal has reignited longstanding concerns about pollution in the area — including lead-contaminated soil — and fears that the project could bring additional burdens related to noise, water use and power demand. So far, the rezoning requests submitted by Metrobloks to build the nearly 14-acre data center have not been heard in any public hearings with authority. Federal EPA Repeals Endangerment Finding By Carrie Albright What to know about the lawsuit challenging the EPA's repeal of the endangerment finding | WBUR News [https://wordpress.wbur.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/APTOPIX_Trump_Climate_26043715778225-1000x667.jpg]Photo courtesy of WBUR News. On February 12th, the EPA finalized one of the most consequential climate decisions in decades—repealing the endangerment finding. This is the legal foundation that has been used by the federal government to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. EcoReport has shared about this pending decision over the last few months, hopeful that the outpouring of organizations and individuals arguing for this process to remain intact. In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The EPA, using extensive scientific analysis, then concluded that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. That finding became the legal foundation for regulating emissions from vehicles, power plants, and factories, a core component of environmentally responsible decisionmaking at the national level. By repealing the endangerment finding, the EPA removed both the scientific and legal basis requiring federal regulation of greenhouse gases. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called it “the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history,” claiming it will save Americans more than $1.3 trillion by eliminating emission standards for vehicles from model years 2012 through 2027 and beyond. Yes, you heard that correctly—the head of the Environmental Protection Agency has announced that prioritizing manufacturing and finance outweighs human health and safety. The removal of the endangerment finding reveals the fundamental shift taking place in the EPA under this administration. It is unsurprising that climate experts and public health groups are sounding alarms. Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy, emphasized that since 2009, the scientific evidence connecting greenhouse gas emissions to health impacts has only gotten stronger. Without the endangerment finding, regulating greenhouse gas emissions is no longer a legal requirement. Multiple lawsuits have already been filed challenging the repeal, including from the Conservation Law Foundation, the American Lung Association, and other environmental advocacy groups. They argue the EPA cannot credibly claim that nearly two decades of scientific evidence is suddenly incorrect. This highly controversial decision is a major setback that will likely be fought in courts for years to come. As Dr. Hayhoe articulates, “When foundational climate policies are repeatedly questioned, reversed or tied up in legal uncertainty, it becomes harder for families, businesses, and local governments to plan for the future. Stability matters. Predictability matters. Maintaining science‑based policies isn’t just prudent—it’s the reliable foundation we need to build a safer, healthier and more resilient nation.” Winter Olympics Reduce Carbon Footprint By Carrie Albright Milano-Cortina 2026: Why Hosting in Two Cities | The Journal [https://thejournalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/milan-winter-olympic-games.jpg] If you’ve been enjoying the fun and games of the Winter Olympics in Italy right now, you’ve got another reason to cheer: Milano Cortina 2026 is being celebrated as a model for how major sporting events can reduce their environmental footprint. Eighty-five percent of competition venues are existing or temporary structures—one of the highest reuse rates in Winter Olympics history. Instead of building new facilities that might sit empty afterward, a residual effect felt by many previous host cities, organizers retrofitted venues that had historically hosted winter events. Almost all venues are powered by certified renewable electricity. The limited temporary generators run primarily on renewable biofuel. The transport plan prioritizes trains and shuttles and targets 20 percent fewer cars compared to the 2006 Torino Olympics. Even the Olympic torch is powered by renewable bio-liquefied petroleum gas, and the medals are produced using recycled metal cast with renewable energy. Snowmaking, which is incredibly energy and water intensive, is being kept to the minimum required for safe competition. High-efficiency systems use GPS monitoring to reduce unnecessary production, cutting electricity use by around 30 percent compared to traditional methods. No chemical additives are used, just water, air, and energy from renewable sources. All of this is pretty impressive, but there is still room to improve how sustainably-oriented the Olympics can be. Eighty-eight Olympians and dozens of other elite athletes signed an open letter calling on the International Olympics Committee to ban fossil fuel companies from Olympic sponsorship. As changing climate reshapes winter sports with shorter seasons, less reliable snow, and warming temperatures, the pressure is on to make these events sustainable. Milano Cortina is showing that venue reuse, renewable energy, and smarter resource management at this scale are possible. Feature Report: [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Grow-with-Glo-Banner.png] And now, lets listen to Gloria Chi as she reports on the Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference she attended. Upcoming Events: [https://wfhb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/istockphoto-1330037328-612x612-1.jpg] A new Winter Hike Series hike will take place on Saturday, February 21st, from, 11 am to 1 pm at Brown County State Park. The Boulder In The Tree hike is one of the most popular hikes. You get to see a boulder in a tree and then you can see if you can figure out how it got there. This is a very rugged, 2 mile hike. The 17th Marsh Madness Sandhill Crane Festival will take place on Saturday, February 21st, beginning at 9 am at the Roy Clark Building in Humpfrey Park. This is a cultural, educational and wildlife conservation-oriented experience. See migrating cranes and waterfowl including the Spring migration of Sandhill Cranes. Whooper Wednesday will take place every Wednesday until February 25th at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area. Meet at the visitor’s center at 8 am to walk around the property to spot resident winter birds, including the endangered Whooping Crane. Dress for the weather. You can a Maple Syrup Made Easy class at the RCA Community Park in the large shelter on Saturday, February 28th, from 1 to 2 pm. Learn how to make maple syrup during this hands-on workshop. Sign ups available at bloomington.IN.gov/parks [http://bloomington.IN.gov/parks]. You can take a Full Moon Hike at Brown County State Park on Saturday, February 28th from 7 to 8 pm. People are meeting at the Olympic Pool Parking lot to learn the history and lore of the March Full Worm Moon. Credits: This week’s headlines were written by Carrie Albright, Rich Benak and Caitlyn Looby Today’s news feature was produced by Gloria Chi. Julianna Dailey assembled the script which was edited by the EcoReport team and produced the upcoming events. Kade Young is our engineer. Anchors are Preston Rodgers and Julianna Dailey.