Earth Charter Indiana

The Indiana DNR is proposing to increase the bobcat killing quota from 250 to 400 – a 60% increase – and to add bobcat hunting in addition to strangling snares, leghold traps, and cage traps. DNR’s own model shows that killing 400 bobcats annually could drive bobcats extinct in Indiana within a decade.

This move is entirely political. There is still no data to show bobcats are having any negative impact on any other species, there are fewer than 30 conflicts between bobcats and farm animals on average annually, and the DNR’s mortality data is more than 5 years old – meaning they have no idea how 2025’s killing of 253 bobcats impacted the population.

What you can do:

1.) Submit your respectful comment to the DNR’s Rulemaking Docket page or email it to [email protected] by May 19.
Use rule name “Hunting of Bobcats and Increase in Statewide Season Quota (312 IAC 9).” Mention that you oppose both the interim and permanent rule.

2.) Call Governor Braun’s office at (317)232-4567 and respectfully ask that he pull the proposed rules.

3.) Consider attending and speaking at the public hearing on May 19th at 12:30 p.m., at the Fort Harrison State Park, Garrison Conference Center, Blue Heron Ballroom, 6002 North Post Road, Indianapolis, Indiana.

With the addition of over 8700 MW of Data Centers under contract with Indiana electricity suppliers, we are set to DOUBLE the power we use from all of our homes statewide. It is well past time for a new plan. Indianapolis has an opportunity to create new rules for zoning but it is critical we get them right. Placing a moratorium on all new projects while we investigate the impact these massive facilities are having in other areas will make time for us to listen to our neighbors' concerns and hopes for the future of our city.

The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development (IndyDMD) presented draft zoning policies for local data centers last month and it is an important first step to creating a new zoning class for these unique facilities, but the draft is extremely limited and does not account for the enormous electricity and water demands of large data centers, how they source their power, and in what communities they can build. The draft does not take into account how to reconcile these projects' enormous greenhouse gas emissions with our city's Thrive Indianapolis goals and our commitment to carbon neutrality. DMD has a Data Center Page where you can learn more about the draft ordinance and how to take action. Indy residents deserve a moratorium while we assess this situation.

We urge you to submit a public comment by May 17th with the link in our bio or at
https://bit.ly/moratorium-support