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karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Karl Schneider
@karlstartswithk.bsky.social
540 followers 1K following 47 posts
Environment reporter at Indianpolis Star covering local and statewide issues. Send me things: karl.schneider@indystar.com | Signal: karlstartswithk.50
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karlstartswithk.bsky.social
“There’s kind of a quiet revolt in the heartland," said Bryce Gustafson, an organizer with Citizens Action Coalition.

Marissa Meador takes an in-depth look at data center development in the Midwest for IndyStar:

bit.ly/44yM9rJ
How the Midwest's data center gold rush may become a political reckoning
Tech titans are spending billions in the race to develop AI. Their efforts are finding a home in the Midwest.
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Hoosiers increase collective action to oppose data center buildouts in Indiana, recently in Decatur Township where more than 350 people stood together. @alysaguffey.bsky.social has the story with IndyStar

bit.ly/3JIdYGT
Data center planned for Decatur Township site meets hostile neighborhood crowd at town hall
A Decatur Township town hall got heated Tuesday night as the crowd repeatedly shouted over a data center operator wanting to build in the township.
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Reposted by Karl Schneider
meghanbartels.bsky.social
Don't cross the picket line--no reading Science News today! These journalists deserve a fair contract that recognizes the value they bring to the company.
sn-media-guild.bsky.social Science News Media Guild @sn-media-guild.bsky.social · Nov 3
Workers of the Science News Media Guild will conduct a 24-hour #strike on Wednesday, 11/5. This comes after our members voted to reject the Society’s latest contract proposal. Our members previously voted by 92% to authorize a strike against the @society4science.bsky.social, if necessary.
November 5, 2025 at 1:55 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
To burn, or not to burn. That is the question
@hartleys.bsky.social asks here: bit.ly/4345jVH
Land managers use fire to help maintain forest health but some environmentalists are wary
Forest managers are increasingly willing to use prescribed burns for conservation. Some say the practice does more harm than good.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 2:29 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
As AES Indiana plans for the next 15 years, it could rely on battery storage and smaller gas engines to keep up with demand. But if data center growth expands, the investor-owned utility could build more fossil fuel plants. @alysaguffey.bsky.social has more:

bit.ly/4oxcP3x
AES maps energy sources for future — plus Plan B for extra load data centers could bring
AES laid out plans to increase capacity over the next 15 years, with a backup plan that includes possible new data centers. See differences here.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 4:17 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
This new position in Indy is supposed to "... enable people to hold their local journalists accountable for what they need from them, and also when appropriate to elevate great journalism.”

Go apply!

www.poynter.org/news-release...
Poynter launches public editor project to serve news audiences in Indianapolis - Poynter
Partner newsrooms will publish the editor’s independent analysis of local news coverage across the market.
www.poynter.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:03 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
These little floofs build their own alarm systems with dried leaves, so don't try anything funny!

bit.ly/3WEEvHH
Meet the endangered rat species that loves a home with a view
The Allegheny woodrat has been on Indiana's state endangered species list since 1984, and researchers are working to boost its population.
bit.ly
October 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Trump EPA withdraws its deadline extension for coke ovens to comply with standards set under Biden admin.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
EPA withdraws coke oven rule in move environmental advocates consider a win
The U.S. EPA is walking back its rule that would have extended deadlines for facilities to comply with stricter air pollution standards.
www.indystar.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
DigIndy is finally dug.

Citizens Energy is celebrating the completion of the $2 billion, 14-year construction project meant to protect the White River.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Citizens Energy completes DigIndy system to protect White River: What to know
Citizens Energy Group has completed the DigIndy tunnel system, which aims to protect the White River from pollution.
www.indystar.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Late-season disease outbreak causes IDNR to restrict some bag limits for Indiana's deer season. @hartleys.bsky.social for IndyStar:

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2025/10/09/disease-outbreak-deer-population-dnr-res…
October 9, 2025 at 2:32 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
AES Indiana is taking public comments for potential solutions to clean up coal ash near the White River

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
How AES is considering cleaning up coal ash in Indianapolis
AES Indiana is taking steps to clean and control the coal ash ponds at its Harding Street Station site.
www.indystar.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:13 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Trump admin claws back millions $$ from @INDairport meant for clean energy projects. From @alysaguffey.bsky.social for IndyStar

www.indystar.com/story/news/p...
Federal government rescinds $6.7 million energy grant for Indianapolis airport solar farm
The $6.7 million grant was earmarked for the Indianapolis International Airport in 2023 under the Biden administration. IND never received the money.
www.indystar.com
October 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Sometimes the tap water runs the color of sweet tea, sometimes the color of urine and on good days, the water flows crystal-clear. Residents have no idea what they will see each day when they turn on their taps nor do they know what causes the changing water color.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
These Indiana residents have brown water and want their town to tell them why
Residents in Lapel, Indiana, are experiencing brown water coming out of their taps and are worried that the water is not safe to drink.
www.indystar.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:02 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Google withdrew its proposal for a data center near Indy after residents successfully organized in opposition to the development. @alysaguffey.bsky.social has the latest:

www.indystar.com/story/news/l...
Is Franklin Township data center dead? Google withdraws petition just before Council hearing
Google withdrew an unpopular rezoning petition for a data center in Franklin Township minutes before the City-County Council was set to vote on the petition.
www.indystar.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:04 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Trump admin restarts federal EV grant program it paused in Feb. but rolls back language meant to assist disadvantaged communities.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Federal EV program moves forward. Will Indiana's Black communities be left behind again?
The Federal Highway Administration has restarted a national EV program, but Sec. Sean Duffy says it should not consider rural, disadvantaged communites.
www.indystar.com
September 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
IndyStar analyzed hundreds of lobbying disclosures ... to map the influence of lobbyists on lawmakers. The documents revealed a dominant energy lobby that spent tens of thousands of dollars currying favor with legislators, writes Marissa Meador:

www.indystar.com/story/news/p...
Energy lobby ramped up spending on meals and gifts for lawmakers amid push for nuclear. It worked
Powerful utility committee chairmen Sen. Eric Koch and Rep. Ed Soliday heralded pro-nuclear bills while accepting paid meals from utilities.
www.indystar.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:53 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Kimmie Gordon at Brown Faces, Green spaces is making the outdoors fun for everyone. Meet Kimmie and learn about her efforts:

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Kimmie Gordon makes the woods inviting for everyone
Kimmie Gordon shares her love of nature and the outdoors with Brown Faces, Green Spaces.
www.indystar.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:55 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
The USFS began selling timber from the controversial Houston South project in the Hoosier National Forest. Gov. Braun is calling it "misguided" @hartleys.bsky.social for IndyStar

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Controversial timber sales begin in Hoosier National Forest, despite Gov. Braun's objections
The Hoosier National Forest initiates first timber sales in the Houston South Project area, despite concerns from governor and local advocates.
www.indystar.com
August 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
For two years Indiana groups have been preparing to use $130M in federal money to assist low-income households save money on utility bills under the Solar for All program. EPA Admin Zeldin announced plans to take that money away.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Indiana loses $130 million as EPA cancels low-income solar program
Advocate: 'Solar for all was going to benefit low-income grandmas living on very little income. That's whose interests we would live to see served.'
www.indystar.com
August 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Hoosiers still have time to tell the EPA how they feel about the agency's efforts to revoke the endangerment finding. @hartleys.bsky.social has the details:

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
The EPA wants to roll back climate regulations. Here’s how Hoosiers can have a say
Almost a quarter of Indiana's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation — a sector EPA wants to deregulate. Here's how you can have a say.
www.indystar.com
August 13, 2025 at 9:26 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
The fight over AES discharging coal ash pollution into the White River continues as groups push back against a recent ruling.

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Advocates continue pushing back on AES discharges into White River near Martinsville
The Hoosier Environmental Council is seeking to overturn a judge's order regarding AES pollution discharge permit.
www.indystar.com
August 5, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Karl Schneider
mollytaft.com
NEW: i spoke to nine (!) scientists across several disciplines whose work was cited in the new Department of Energy report that downplays the severity of climate change. all of them say their work was misrepresented, cherry picked, and/or lacked context —
Scientists Say New Government Climate Report Twists Their Work
A new Department of Energy report “fundamentally misrepresents” climate research and leaves out key context, multiple scientists cited in the report tell WIRED.
www.wired.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Reposted by Karl Schneider
hausfath.bsky.social
The EPA cited my paper in their argument against the endangerment finding today. However, their point is completely backwards: my paper actually supports the EPA's 2009 range of 1.8C to 4C warming by 2100. www.nature.com/artic...
July 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
EPA admin Zeldin announces his intent to repeal the pivotal finding in effort to align agency with Trump. For IndyStar w/ @hartleys.bsky.social

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
EPA chief visits Indiana to announce repeal of landmark climate change policy
EPA chief Zeldin announced plans to rescind the country's biggest tool to fight climate change. Environmental advocates call it a direct assault.
www.indystar.com
July 29, 2025 at 10:54 PM
karlstartswithk.bsky.social
Hoosiers are telling Indiana to prioritize protecting the environment after Gov. Braun ordered a review of "excessive environmental regulation"

www.indystar.com/story/news/e...
Hoosiers ask Braun, IDEM to maintain environmental rules protecting air, water and land
Hundreds of comments poured into the Indiana Department of Environmental Management asking the agency not to roll back regulations.
www.indystar.com
July 22, 2025 at 1:15 PM