I don’t usually read Indiana news first in the New York Times; things tend to percolate in our local media for days before they make national news, if indeed they ever do. But apparently Indiana is embroiled in an environmental controversy that has not received much coverage in the Star or in my local paper, The Republic (Columbus).

The claim is that Indiana is allowing a refinery to put more pollution into Lake Michigan than other states would allow. I’m generally pro-development, so I’m not rushing to judgment on this because I surely don’t know all the facts. But the article itself cannot be good for the Hoosier state, especially in light of the 387 to 26 vote in the U.S. House asking Indiana to reconsider. Not good if outsiders view Indiana as the third-world state where corporations can skirt environmental standards if they build just over the line on our property.

I’m hoping Governor Daniels and the BP folks are telling the truth about their plans being well within national standards. I’m hoping the environmentalists are being overzealous. But if the city of Chicago is concerned and the U.S. House is concerned, then I have to be at least a little concerned too. I want Indiana to be pro-jobs, but I don’t want us to be a safe haven for corporations seeking environmental relief.

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