Upcoming Events
IDEM Public Meeting on Dirty Diesel Generator Permit for Project maize data center
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is holding a public meeting on the draft air permit for Project Maize. IDEM’s permit would allow for Lavender Fields Holdings, LLC (Google’s shell company) to operate 70 dirty diesel generators with no pollution controls at the Project at 402 Royal Road in Michigan City.
Despite ongoing petitions and letters from community members and state and local elected officials requesting an extension of the public comment period for a 165-page, complex permit during the holiday season, IDEM has failed our community and scheduled a public meeting for Tuesday, December 9th, from 6-9 pm, or until public comments have concluded.
Come ready to speak out and let your voice be heard, and please spread the word. Help us say NO to this dirty diesel permit! Once you register, we will send you resources to help you prepare for the public meeting. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/873665/.
IMPORTANT: Please be prepared to comment/ask questions AND bring written comments to ensure they are entered into the official record for the decision on the draft air permit. This is a public meeting, so IDEM must respond to questions related to the permit.
To learn more about the public meeting, visit https://www.in.gov/idem/files/49561PMNotice-AE.pdf.
To learn more about our efforts, visit https://www.jtnwi.org/data-centers.
Community Over Big Tech: Film Screening & Community Conversation
Join JTNWI and Trinity Episcopal Church of Michigan City for a screening of a documentary by More Perfect Union featuring JTNWI and Citizens Action Coalition. This short documentary chronicles Michigan City’s community efforts against the Project Maize data center, being built by Phoenix Investors and believed to be a Google project, as well as neighboring issues in New Carlisle from the Amazon data center.
Together, we will discuss the impacts of this project and other projects in the region, and explore how we can come together to advocate for an environmentally just future where Community, Not Big Tech, comes first. We know when we organize, we win, as evidenced by towns all over Indiana that have successfully fought against these massive hyperscale data centers.
This event is entirely free and family-friendly. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Register today, and bring a friend.
Register today at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/860777/.
JTNWI Table at Festival de la Monarca
Stop by JTNWI's table at Festival de la Monarca, organized by the Nature Conservancy of Indiana, celebrating the monarch butterfly as it migrates through East Chicago, Indiana. We will have free art-making with artist Kaitlyn Stancy and merchandise for purchase.
This FREE festival also celebrates the monarch’s cultural connections to Mexico through music, food, and dance.
Register today to join us at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/827346/.
Community Game Night
Join us at Grindhouse Cafe in Highland for a community game night, as we unveil our new board game, ECO LAND!
Elouise Planert created this game through an Indiana University Northwest graphic design internship with JTNWI for Professor Kaitlyn Stancy’s class to teach about environmental justice in the region.
A just transition to a healthier, greener region is winding and full of setbacks. But we as a community have opportunities to take steps in the right direction to achieve this vision. ECO LAND game brings this together in a fun, educational, and family-friendly game!
We will also have other environmental-themed games available to play, such as lotería!
Register today at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/825276/.
Pack the Data Center Vote!
On August 4, the Michigan City Common Council voted to table resolutions for one month. In September, the council will vote to designate a data center under construction at 402 Royal Road, dubbed "Project Maize," within the Economic Revitalization Area and grant it local tax abatements.
Join us in demanding transparency and accountability from our elected officials. There has been a complete lack of public process regarding this data center. The fast-tracking of these resolutions, the amount of money being thrown around (including a gift of $1 million to the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City), the ever-mounting unanswered questions (including what company will operate the data center), and the non-disclosure agreements have made it impossible to have a true dialogue with Michigan City communities.
Join us in calling for a pause on all data center buildout in Michigan City. It’s not too late to make your voice heard. Help us pack the council meeting at the September vote!
Register today at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/827338/.
Sunset Mindfulness Outing
As a part of our Nature & Cultural Outings, we are thrilled to collaborate with the amazing Anna Martinez of The Subtle Body Wellness. Anna has been working in the region for decades, bringing healing and community together with her training in Myofascial Release Therapy, Yoga, BreathWork, and Meditation. She has curated a wonderful evening for us that includes light yoga, meditation, and sound bowls.
This event is free and accessible to everyone. We will have folding chairs for those who cannot stand on the ground. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or even a towel (whatever is most comfortable). This outing is an opportunity to be in our bodies, in nature, and most importantly, in community, where the real healing begins.
Register today at https://www.mobilize.us/jtnwi/event/820655/.