The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has welcomed the cities of Greencastle, Lafayette, Lawrence and Westfield to the Clean Community Program, recognizing their commitment to building stronger and more sustainable environments for Hoosiers.
“I’m proud to see new communities commit to the Clean Community program,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “Their ongoing efforts to completing environmental projects will continue to make Indiana a great place to live and work.”
The Clean Community Program is a free, voluntary initiative that celebrates Indiana communities for their proactive work in creating sustainable environmental initiatives and projects that improve the lives of their residents.
Municipalities enter the program at the Bronze Tier and are encouraged to advance to Silver and Gold Tiers at their own pace.
The City of Hobart is the seventh Clean Community Program member to reach the Silver Tier. Projects helping Hobart advance to this level include:
- Adopting green grounds and maintenance practices.
- Implementing green infrastructure.
- Passing a local open burning ordinance and local ordinances improving stormwater management.
- The project restored more than half a mile of natural streamside habitat. It now captures and treats nearly 290,000 gallons of stormwater each year and prevents about 256 tons of sediment from reaching the watershed and Lake Michigan.
“Hobart’s advancement to Silver Tier status is something our entire community can take pride in. This recognition reflects the thoughtful work happening across our city, from improving stormwater management to investing in green infrastructure and strengthening environmental practices. These efforts are about more than meeting standards. They’re about protecting our environment and enhancing quality of life for our residents. We’re committed to building a cleaner, healthier Hobart for today and for generations to come, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this achievement possible,” said Mayor Josh Huddlestun.
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Other municipalities in the Clean Community Program include:
- Gold Tier: Beech Grove
- Silver Tier: Brown County, Evansville, Fishers, Richmond, Shelbyville and Zionsville
- Bronze Tier: Bloomington, Fortville, Greencastle, Kokomo, Lafayette, Lawrence, Merrillville, New Castle, New Chicago, Porter, Westfield and Whitestown
IDEM invites municipalities and community partners interested in participating in the Indiana Clean Community Program to learn more at on.IN.gov/cleancommunity.