It is a rare program which unites labor, business, and environmentalists. Yet, over the past four years a small group of engineers at the Indiana Clean Manufacturing Technology and Safe Materials Institute has become a catalyst for changing manufacturing and environmental protection in Indiana by working to help manufacturers reduce the generation of toxic emissions and wastes through new production processes, increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, and less toxic raw materials.

This approach to environmental stewardship saves money. Manufacturers reduce their raw materials costs and costs to have hazardous materials recycled, incinerated or landfilled. As it improves the bottom line for manufacturers, it can also generate more tax revenue for the state. In short, this approach benefits workers, the public, and manufacturers. Three engineers over four years were instrumental in eliminating over 3.7 million pounds of toxics usage at a savings of about $3.7 million annually to the companies involved.

The Citizens Action Coalition provided the initial push to create the Purdue-based Institute. Since then, support for this Institute has grown. R. Terry Hammond, CEO of Elkhart-based electronics manufacturer, Crown International, has remarked, "The Institute’s work in research, education and technical assistance is the vital help Indiana industries need to compete." Derrin Keiser, Paint Business Unit Manager for United Technology Automotive in Berne, said after completing a project with the Institute, "They (the Institute) will pull from resources all over the world. It’s good to have them on our side." Kurt Anderson, Director of Environmental Health and Safety for Monoco Coach in Wakarusa, stated, "The... Institute is providing Indiana industries with better technologies and solutions to today’s environmental challenges."

Although Indiana currently provides one million dollars every two years to run the institute, Institute staff estimate a funding level of $2.3 million for the next biennium will be needed, a $1.3 million increase over the current two year level. The Institute would use the additional funds to hire 6 additional engineers and a financial analyst. The engineers would be placed in various regions of the state in order to reduce the costs of projects and more effectively provide technical assistance to area manufacturers. The financial analyst would aid manufacturers in assessing the true costs and savings of clean manufacturing projects. This data would also be provided to state officials and the public to give all of us a chance to assess the Institute’s and industry’s progress in reducing toxics usage while bolstering the economy.

The Indiana Manufacturers Association urged the Governor to fully fund the Institute, reasoning,..."[i]nvesting adequate funds in the Institute will help manufacturers stay ahead of the environmental compliance curve by combining sound economic principles with prudent engineering decisions."

In August, according to the Jasper Herald, "...the Jasper Chamber of Commerce sponsored a press conference favoring increased funding for the Institute", which has been working with area wood finishers to improve spray application efficiency. A conservative estimate projects over 250 tons of toxic air emissions eliminated and a savings collectively of $700,000 annually for the companies involved. Some companies report having reduced materials usage by one-third to one-half.

The Madison Courier reported in August that members of the Jefferson County Environmental Roundtable, a consortium of local business representatives, and local State Representative Markt Lytle intend to support the $2.3 million biennial increase. And a bipartisan group of 20 State Representatives recently wrote the Governor to support this same increase. A similar letter was recently sent to the Governor by a bipartisan group of State Senators. (see in newsletter)

The Governor has always been positive toward the Institute. He remarked in an April meeting with CAC that the budget request was "not that much." Similarly, the Governor’s Chief-of-Staff, Mr. Tom New, has indicated to CAC that the Administration wants to increase the Institute’s budget; however, it appears to them to be a matter of timing. That is, when, during the course of the current legislative session, would be the best time to insert the increase into the budget bill. Given that, Indiana now needs Governor O’Bannon in his capacity as chief executive to step forward and work with the General Assembly to achieve full funding for the Institute in the upcoming state budget.

Please call or write your State Representative and State Senator, and urge their support of a $2.3 million biennial budget for the Indiana Clean Manufacturing Technology and Safe Materials Institute. In addition, please call or write the Governor Frank O’Bannon. Thank the Governor for his interest and support for the program. Please urge him also to support a $2.3 million biennial budget for the Institute. Please cc a copy of the letter to Mr. Tom New, the Governor’s chief-of-staff. Mr. New is at the same address and number.

Given the political consensus, the modest budget increase being requested, and the continued rosy revenue forecast for Indiana, when will the General Assembly and the Governor act on funding for the Institute if they do not act this legislative session?

Your legislators and the Governor can be reached at the Statehouse. The address is: Statehouse; Indianapolis, IN 46204. Call the Governor at: 317-232-4567. If your State Representative is a Republican, call him or her at: 1-800-382-9841. If your State Representative is a Democrat, call him or her at: 1-800382-9842. The general number for State Representatives is 317-232-9600. The number for the State Senate is: 1-800-382-9467. The general number for the State Senate is 317-232-9400.