Did you know that there are nearly 4,000 miles of hazardous liquid pipelines in Indiana? HEC and our partner Save the Dunes have been focusing in on one specific hazardous pipeline of concern over the last several months: the Enbridge pipeline replacement project in Northwest Indiana. This project would be within 20 miles of Lake Michigan throughout the pipeline's route.  While the Indiana Department of Environmental Management recently approved a permit that has stronger safeguards than the original proposed permit (due to a strong push by HEC and Save the Dunes), those safeguards are not sufficient for this tar sands-carrying pipeline. We are assessing next steps.

And as a result of the recent 20,000 gallon Marathon oil pipeline spill in Indianapolis, HEC is planning -- more broadly -- to examine the safeguards protecting our waters from Indiana's extensive pipeline network.  

For questions and comments on our pipeline work, write us at comments@hecweb.org. 

As Michigan and Illinois expand their passenger rail service, Indiana is considering whether to continue Amtrak's Hoosier State service between Indianapolis and Chicago, which currently operates four days a week. Congress is requiring Amtrak to discontinue its short distance routes unless the host state agrees to provide funding. 15 states now provide state support for their Amtrak routes. These short distance - less than 750 miles - routes have the highest ridership growth in the entire Amtrak network.

 

To maintain the Hoosier State service, Indiana would need to contribute about $3 million a year. Communities along the route, and rail supporters including HEC, support improved and expanded service that provides a meaningful transportation option for business travelers, students and families. Visit our Action Center for more information.