Congressman André Carson joined green activists and business decision-makers on a panel last Saturday in an effort to discuss the benefits of making Indiana greener, and possibly bringing over 45,000 green jobs to the state.

Indiana was ranked 49 of the 50 states on Forbes’ list of being green, only ranking above West Virginia. In an effort to boost Indiana’s green ranking, Carson presented “Green Jobs Reviving the Economy and Restoring Our Environment,” a panel discussion held at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful headquarters.

Members of the panel were all in agreement about Indiana’s need to be green.

“More attention should have been brought to the issue already. It starts with local leadership and works up to the top,” Carson said.

Panelists also warned about the effects of ignoring the issue.

“This is a form of terrorism we have done to ourselves,” said Rep. Gregory W. Porter, a member of the Indiana General Assembly. “We are slowly poisoning ourselves,” said Porter, who admitted to being non-responsive in the past to the need for change.

Porter also pointed out that generating greener ways of living should not be a concern only for scientists, but for the nation as a whole. “It’s not just looking at a petri dish. It is looking at what we are doing holistically for our city, our state and our nation,” he said.

Porter also noted having a green economy would be a necessary step towards change. “We have to look at the pipeline of economic development when it comes to a green economy in this state,” he said.

A member of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce was on the panel, discussing links between greening Indiana and its economy. “This is really an opportunity not only to help our environment, but also our economy,” said Jean Farison, manager of business advocacy for the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

The panel also explained there is an ever-growing potential of over 45,000 green jobs coming to the state.

“We are exploring how to tap into Indiana’s resources to generate jobs and change the environment,” said Rick Cockrum, consultant to the Environmental Defense Fund.

“We need to look into the potential green jobs can offer. I am trying to make green jobs a reality,” Carson said. “I feel like I am speaking to the choir, but let’s let it marinate. Let’s go green.”

In an attempt to encourage further discussion on change, Porter said, “It is time to contact us and voice your concerns. Please, please talk to us or your legislators now. This is a great time.”

A question and answer session followed the discussion, during which the possibility of mandating green initiatives in businesses was mentioned. Improving Indianapolis’ bus system as a way to lead to greener mass transit was also discussed.