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A new standing committee was approved by the City-County Council Monday night. The new Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet regularly to discuss moves to improve environmental issues in Indianapolis.
A commission spent last year studying city challenges including the lack of a robust recycling program and environmental justice. It recommended the creation of the dedicated committee to offer solutions and provide a public forum to discuss environmental work.
Republican members voted against creating the committee saying it was unnecessary and redundant.
Councilor John Barth (D) chaired the commission and in a written comment said Indianapolis needs to be prepared for climate changes.
“The Council needs to evaluate and pass proposals to ensure that Indianapolis is taking actions to reduce our carbon footprint and is preparing for the changes that are already happening,” Barth said.
Councillor Michael Paul Hart (R) said the committee was unlikely to offer solutions.
“An echo chamber that dismisses opinions that are different,” Hart said.
The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 19-6 in favor of the new committee.
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