Indiana already trails its Midwest neighbors in the adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and lingers in the middle of the pack across the country. But now, market forces — including hundreds of millions in federal dollars and rapidly approaching deadlines — are coming to bear all at once, driving an accelerated push toward transformation.

“Most of the pollutants that lead to ozone pollution come from motor vehicles compared to factories or power plants. Specifically, with respect to ozone, that’s where the effort still needs to be focused. Having cleaner motor vehicles and giving people effective options to driving,” said Maloney.

Solar power is about to become much more expensive for Hoosiers as a state policy meant to help boost the renewable energy in the state expires on July 1. Once that deadline passes, Indiana utility customers will no longer be allowed to participate in what is called net metering when they install solar panels on their roofs.

Knozone Action Days are issued when ozone or fine particulate matter levels rise above certain thresholds. On those days, the air quality may become unhealthy for sensitive individuals, especially active children, the elderly, and anyone with asthma, lung disease, COVID-19, or other serious health problems.

Survey results from more than 1,200 residents last year found strong support was given to EV charging stations and placemaking options. Placemaking could involve space for pop-up businesses, arts and culture or resource opportunities. The City wants to encourage mobility options including e-scooter stations or space for shared transit options.

Knozone Action Days occur when ozone levels rise above certain thresholds, making the air quality unhealthy for sensitive individuals, such as active children, elderly people and those suffering from any lung-related disease or health issue. These individuals are encouraged to stay inside.

On an average day, medics will respond to 0 to 3 heat-related calls, but this week medics are responding to around 4x that amount.

Breakdown on the number of calls this week:

• Monday - 7 calls

• Tuesday - 12 calls

• Wednesday - 13 calls

IndyGo has unveiled a new line of buses it expects will help with air quality, especially on air quality action days. The Allison-Glen Flex electric bus was rolled out Tuesday night on Monument Circle. The goal of the bus is to reduce the amount of emissions being put in the air, Carrie Black, a spokesperson for IndyGo, said.

The College Football Playoff says January’s national championship game in Indianapolis was the most sustainable championship in the event’s history. Through the CFP’s Playoff Green program, the organization says teams hand-sorted and recovered more than 117 tons of materials throughout downtown Indy over a two-week period.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management warned this record heat will likely cause high ozone levels, which means poor air quality. This will be especially dangerous to vulnerable people like those with asthma, young children, older adults and anyone with COVID-19, lung disease or other serious health problems.

Amid potentially record-breaking heat, Hogsett told residents to stay cool, stay inside if possible, check on neighbors and pets, and to look before they lock, which refers to drivers ensuring there are no children or pets in the car before they leave the vehicle.

Since 2012, several high-profile thoroughfares have gotten the Complete Streets treatment: Sunset Avenue near Butler University, Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Street, streets where bus rapid transit lines have been built, and now Broad Ripple Avenue and West Morris Street.

What do the cities of Indianapolis and Accra, the capital of Ghana, have in common? At first glance, not much. Yet even with disparate geographies — from the Gulf of Guinea to the American corn belt — Accra and Indianapolis are among the world’s leaders in addressing the public health challenges associated with climate change, according to the World Health Organization.

Innovative ways to revitalize greenspace in Indianapolis were considered Monday by the City-County Council's Environmental Sustainability Committee. New funding options in the environmental realm could create opportunities for parks, urban canopy and other green projects.

WHO chose Indianapolis as one of six pilot cities for the study on how climate change affects public health. Director of the Office of Sustainability for the City of Indianapolis Morgan Mickelson says a 2019 study of Indianapolis done by their office played a role in Indianapolis as a choice.

The World Health Organization worked with the city's Office of Sustainability and the county health department to put together a document detailing the hazards and risks Indy residents face, as well as what actions the city has taken to adapt to the changing climate. The report also lists specific additional actions the city can take to further its resiliency to the effects of climate change.

A new report offers a snapshot of the Indianapolis climate and how it affects the people who live here. The world health organization chose Indianapolis as one of six pilot cities for this project.

Air Quality Awareness Week is May 2-6 this year.

In Indy, the city’s Office of Sustainability has planned a campaign to raise awareness about Knozone, an initiative to make central Indiana one of the region’s most sustainable, livable places.

In honor of Earth Day this week, Bloomberg Cities takes a closer look at 9 solutions emerging from the American Cities Climate Challenge that can inspire city leaders everywhere.

A lot of cities have climate-action plans but don’t have systems in place to deliver on big promises. That’s what makes the data-driven delivery plan surrounding Indianapolis’ sustainability plan so important.

Indianapolis’ Office of Sustainability on Tuesday launched the first phase of its building utility tracking and transparency program, bolstered by a new $25,000 equity-oriented award. Called Thriving Buildings, the program’s initial phase includes voluntary participation by private building owners while mandating participation for some municipal buildings.