Environmental Commission Advances Recommendations To The City-County Council

An Indianapolis Commission on Environmental Sustainability wrapped up a year of study this week. The commission presented findings Thursday, Dec. 17, related to environmental issues facing the city. It passed recommendations to the City-County Council for sustainability, environmental justice and recycling policies. 

Chairman John Barth said many community members consider those topics priorities.

“That’s what they are excited about, they are passionate and interested in these issues,” Barth said. “They’re worried about what’s happening or not happening, and they want the city to maximize what it can do.”

Barth said many residents want to see improvements in the city’s recycling program.

“I think we were able to shine a light on the issue of recycling in Indianapolis and explaining where we are,” Barth said.

Indianapolis has the second highest waste generation per capita in the nation. Recommendations aim to create a universal recycling program, by 2025. 

Other recommendations include ways to increase electric vehicles, energy consumption targets for businesses and support for green spaces and parks.

The commission will present the report to the full Indianapolis City-County Council.