Meghan Hodges
Indiana has a poor reputation when it comes to environmental pollution. The state's reliance on automobiles, poor public transport, and coal-fired power plants have all contributed to its environmental issues. While there has been some improvement in air quality in recent years, Indiana still faces challenges, particularly with ozone and PM2.5 pollution. Water quality is also a concern, with a significant number of stream miles considered impaired. The state's environmental issues have sparked worries about the impact on public health, with calls for more action to address these problems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 44 (Good) |
| Best AQI in the last 24 hours | 39 (Good) |
| Worst AQI in the last 24 hours | 44 (Good) |
| Air Quality Trend | Stable |
| Air Pollution Risk | Little or no risk |
| Air Pollution Sources | Vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires |
| Water Pollution | 21,423 stream miles are considered impaired |
| Water Quality | Varied |
| Ozone Days in Columbus | 242 in 2018 |
| Ozone Days in Elkhart-Goshen | 194 in 2018 |
| Ozone Days in Indianapolis | 145 in 2018 |
| US Ranking for Ozone Pollution | 19th |
| US Ranking for 24-hour Particulate Matter | 45th |
| US News & World Report Ranking for Quality of Life | 48th |
| US News & World Report Ranking for Natural Environment | 46th |
| WalletHub Ranking for Eco-friendliness | 42nd |
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What You'll Learn
Water pollution
Indiana has the most polluted rivers and streams of any state in the US, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Integrity Project. The report showed that about half of the country's rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs are so polluted that they are deemed "impaired", meaning they do not meet the standards for recreation, fish consumption, aquatic life, and drinking water.
Agricultural runoff, including manure and fertilizers, is a major contributor to water pollution in Indiana. This type of pollution is difficult to regulate as it comes from spread-out areas rather than a single point source. Industrial facilities are also a source of point-source pollution, despite being regulated by permits approved by the state and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, many companies have repeatedly violated these permits, sending pollution into nearby waterways.
Indiana's waterways also struggle with sediment runoff, excess nutrients such as phosphorus, and infectious bacteria such as E. coli. The state has also allowed coal ash to contaminate its waters, and there are issues with inadequate sewage treatment and industrial contamination. The Clean Water Act of 1972 has helped reduce sewage and industrial waste in Indiana's waterways, but it has been criticized for its weak controls on nonpoint source pollution and for not addressing runoff pollution.
There are ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Indiana. The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) works to reduce pollution and strengthen drinking water protections. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) monitors water quality parameters and has developed TMDL plans to limit pollution in impaired streams. Citizens Energy Group has also overseen the DigIndy project, a $2 billion initiative to improve wastewater treatment in Indianapolis.
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Air pollution
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. The air quality is influenced by various factors, including industrial pollutants, car emissions, and outdated coal plants. Many regions in Indiana struggle with high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), methane, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can be carried by wind and weather patterns, affecting people across the state.
One of the most significant air quality issues in Indiana is ozone pollution. Ozone is a secondary air pollutant formed when primary pollutants react with sunlight. While ozone levels have fluctuated over the years, they have generally been on the rise since 2015. For example, reported ozone days in Columbus increased from 111 in 2015 to 242 in 2018. Indianapolis, which has an ozone season from May to September, also experienced a similar increase. The city has implemented Knozone Action Days as part of its Thrive Indianapolis master plan to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and ways to improve air quality.
Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to nitrogen dioxide levels in Indiana, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of the pollutant. Industrial processes and fuel combustion also play a role in the state's air pollution levels. Efforts to improve air quality in Indiana include initiatives like "Carbon Capture," where producers of carbon dioxide can purchase certificates equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide.
The state has also introduced measures to improve its commitment to cleaner air. However, some of these measures have been criticized for reducing regulations. For instance, Indiana cancelled the requirement for oil and gas producers to report methane emissions and removed the mandate for authorities to monitor vehicle exhaust fumes on federal roads.
Despite these challenges, Indiana is taking steps to address its air pollution issues. Real-time air quality data for Indiana on June 21, 2025, indicated a good AQI level of 44, suggesting that air pollution posed little to no risk to residents. Sensitive groups, however, may still experience symptoms from long-term exposure, and it is recommended to limit outdoor activities during periods of high pollution.
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Vehicle emissions
Indiana has a poor reputation when it comes to environmental categories, ranking 48th for quality of life, 46th for the natural environment, and 42nd for eco-friendliness. Indiana's vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to the state's air pollution. Hoosiers' dependence on automobiles and the lack of investment in public transit have resulted in high levels of vehicle emissions. Vehicle emissions are responsible for between 60 to 70 per cent of the nitrogen dioxide levels in the county, which contributes to the formation of ozone, a secondary air pollutant.
To address this issue, Indiana has implemented the Clean Air Car Check vehicle emissions testing program. This program identifies vehicles that emit harmful pollutants, and helps improve their performance and fuel economy, thereby reducing emissions. Vehicles in Indiana that were manufactured after 1975 and have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 9,000 pounds or less are required to undergo emissions tests and tampering inspections every two years. Vehicles manufactured in odd-numbered years are tested during odd-numbered years, and vice versa.
Indiana also requires vehicle emissions testing for most first-time registrations and biannual testing for vehicle owners in Porter and Lake counties. The specific tests required depend on the vehicle's model year. For example, vehicles made between 1981 and 1995 are subject to the Inspection and Maintenance test, while those made between 1976 and 1980 undergo the Single Idle Speed test. The On-Board Diagnostics Test (OBD II) is for vehicles made in 1996 or later.
Despite these efforts, Indiana's air quality still faces challenges. The state has a long-standing reputation for pollution, and its residents' reliance on private cars contributes to this issue. However, there are some positive signs. Indiana has made significant progress in reducing ozone and PM2.5 levels since the early 2000s, and initiatives like "Knozone Action Days" in Indianapolis aim to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants, empowering them to take action to improve air quality.
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Industrial processes
Indiana has a reputation for being a polluted state. Its air quality is influenced by industrial pollutants, vehicle emissions, and outdated coal plants. In 2019, Indiana accounted for 2.3 billion pounds of industrial waste, about 7.5% of the total waste in the US. Four of the state's top 10 highest-polluting industrial facilities were in Northwest Indiana, according to the EPA. U.S. Steel Gary Works was the state's top polluter, dumping 22.5 million pounds of pollutants, mostly on land. ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor was the ninth-highest polluter, accounting for 1.5 million pounds of pollutants into the land, 835,000 pounds in off-site disposal, and 343,000 pounds into the air.
While Indiana has implemented initiatives to improve air quality, such as Knozone Action Days in Indianapolis, the state continues to face challenges in reducing pollution and improving its environmental reputation. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) warns the public about potential ozone action days, when ozone levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels. The city of Indianapolis has also introduced Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants and promote actions to improve air quality.
The poor air quality in Indiana has been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, cancers, lung disease, neurological problems, and heart disease. It also affects the state's natural landscapes and resources, reducing biodiversity, damaging forests and soil, and contributing to desertification.
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Coal-fired power plants
Indiana has a longstanding reputation for being a polluted state. The state's environmental categories are particularly poor, ranking 48th for quality of life, 46th for the natural environment, and 42nd for eco-friendliness. Indiana's poor rankings are partly due to coal-fired power plants in southwest Indiana, whose pollution is carried by easterly winds across the rest of the state.
There are at least five coal-fired power plants in Indiana:
- B. Brown Generating Station
- B. Culley Generating Station
- Gallagher Generating Station
- Perry K. Generating Station
- Frank E. Ratts Generating Station
Indiana's poor air quality is also caused by vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, industrial processes, and fires, which contribute to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Vehicle emissions alone are responsible for 60-70% of the county's nitrogen dioxide levels.
In recent years, Indiana has attempted to improve its air quality. For example, Indianapolis has introduced Knozone Action Days to educate residents about ozone and other pollutants. However, the state has also rolled back some environmental regulations, such as no longer requiring oil and gas producers to report methane emissions. Overall, Indiana's air quality is improving by some measures, but it still has a long way to go.
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Frequently asked questions
Indiana has a poor reputation for pollution, ranking 48th for quality of life, 46th for natural environment, and 42nd for eco-friendliness.
Vehicle emissions are the largest source of nitrogen dioxide, which, along with volatile organic compounds, are the two precursor pollutants necessary for ozone formation.
Indiana has introduced a raft of measures to improve its commitment to cleaner air. For example, the city of Indianapolis has introduced Knozone Action Days to teach residents about ozone and other pollutants and what they can do to improve air quality.
