Ninth District Rep. Baron Hill, D-Seymour, was surprised to see billboards popping up around Southern Indiana, which challenge his record on the environment.
According to the organization Greenpeace USA, the billboards are meant to call attention to Hill’s record of support for weak fuel economy efficiency standards, the coal industry and his inaction on global warming legislation.
Hill disagrees, saying he was the primary author on fuel efficiency standards that passed in Congress.
“They’re wrong. I’ve got a strong record on the environment,” Hill said.
House bill 2927 is the piece of legislation Edyta Sitko, global warming field organizer for Greenpeace, has called into question.
The bill Hill authored last year called for what Sitko describes as a “modest” fuel economy target of 32 miles-per-gallon by 2022. Congress would go on to pass a law that guaranteed 35 mpg by 2020.
From coal to fuel, Sitko said the issues come back to global warming.
“The time has come for Southern Indiana to take a strong look at Rep. Hill’s record,” Sitko said. “While the public is calling for action on global warming, Hill is bucking his party’s leadership and siding with those in Congress that are intent on denying the inevitable.”
Hill said he finds Greenpeace’s stance “puzzling,” saying it was his understanding the organization was satisfied with the final passage of the fuel economy target bill last year.
Hill added he is on the cusp of securing endorsements from several economic organizations in his bid to return to Congress in November, including the League of Conservation and the Sierra Club. Hill is running against Republican candidate Mike Sodrel on New Albany, who secured his party’s nomination in an uncontested primary on Tuesday.
Libertarian Eric Schansberg is also running for the 9th District seat.
Hill sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which he said has plans to move forward with environmental issues after the November election.
“We’re probably not going to do anything this year on global warming. After the next Congress is elected, starting in January, we’re going to work on a bill addressing the issue of global warming,” Hill said.
Yet Sitko feels each day that passes is a loss that impacts the environment, therefore the organization went ahead with the three billboards, two of which are along Interstate 65.
One is located between Jeffersonville and Clarksville near Interstate 265 and the other between Seymour and Columbus on I-65. There is also a billboard along Ind. 50 near North Vernon.
“We need to protect Hoosier farmers and families right now,” Sitko said. “Indiana is already effected by global warming with longer and more intense heat waves and droughts that are causing Hoosier farmers millions in expensive irrigation.”
In February, Hill backed a bill that passed the House calling for the repeal of roughly $18 billion in manufacturing tax credits for oil and gas companies, while increasing tax credits for renewable energy programs.
Hill explained his endorsement by saying the bill would hopefully lower gasoline prices and help the environment.
“Ending our dependence on foreign oil and using renewable energy to help fight global warming will make our nation stronger,” Hill said.
Recent Local News
Greenpeace targets Hill with billboards blasting his environmental votes
- Recent Local News
-
-
SWEET TREAT: Volunteers see the attraction of annual Starlight Strawberry Festival
-
Board chair: Parks district best solution for New Albany and Floyd County
Mayor Jeff Gahan’s veto of a new parks deal between the city and county was upheld earlier this month by the New Albany City Council. While the Floyd County Council agreed to still pay an additional $100,000 toward the parks department for the remainder of the year, the city and county remain under a prior agreement that led to funding discrepancies in the past.
-
THE 'V' WORD: SUB: Prosser Career Education Center moves away from stigma of ‘vocational’ school
- TARC sets Memorial Day and Kennedy Bridge route changes
- Indiana man releases hostages, fatally shoots self
-
Vietnam veteran receives medals 46 years after active duty ends
- More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend
-
Pence talks bridges, jobs during Southern Indiana swing
“I think everyone senses with the recent bridges agreement, the potential for extraordinary growth,” said Mike Pence, a U.S. House member who is seeking to replace Gov. Mitch Daniels and retain the gubernatorial seat for the Republican Party.
- Police: Gunman has hostages in Indiana realty office
-
Delaware woman dies in I-65 crash
-
Collingsworth Family to perform at Silver Heights Retreat Center in New Albany
The Collingsworth Family will be making a return trip to the Silver Heights Retreat and Camp Center in New Albany on Thursday, June 7.
-
Clark County approves self-insurance plan
Clark County Insurance Agent-of-Record Diane Swank presented health insurance renewal options at the council meeting Monday, but the county’s fiscal body decided to recess its meeting in order to review a proposal to move the county to a self-insured plan.
-
New theater directors at NAHS and FCHS ready for their programs
As the curtain falls on the careers of the teachers who put the theater programs of Floyd Central and New Albany high schools on the map, the new blood coming in have big hopes for the programs they’re taking over.
-
Jeff to start enforcing insurance ordinances
A 2004 ordinance that dictates how much city retirees pay for health insurance – ignored for years by Jeffersonville officials – looks like it will now be enforced.
-
Top Gun showing Saturday at the New Albany riverfront
In honor of Memorial Day, the city of New Albany will show the movie “Top Gun” on its new 40-foot screen at the Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday.
- More Recent Local News Headlines
-
