10/21 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Supreme Court Allows Rule Limiting Pollution from Coal-Fired Power Plants
- State Seeing Early Enthusiasm for Early Childhood Teacher Apprenticeship Program
- Teen Tobacco Use Falls to 25-Year Low
- Seeking Public Comment on Indiana’s New High School Diplomas
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Let’s dive in.
Supreme Court Allows Rule Limiting Pollution from Coal-Fired Power Plants
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Biden administration regulation limiting emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Why it matters: This decision supports efforts to reduce the power industry’s significant contribution to climate change, aligning with President Biden’s pledge to cut carbon emissions.
Driving the news: Despite opposition from Republican-led states and industry groups, the regulation remains, with compliance not required until 2025.
The bottom line: While the rule faces legal challenges, it stands as a key element in the U.S.’s strategy to combat climate change and transition to cleaner energy. (IBJ)
State Seeing Early Enthusiasm for Early Childhood Teacher Apprenticeship Program
Indiana’s new apprenticeship program for aspiring early childhood educators shows promising initial results.
Why it matters: This initiative addresses the state’s need for early learning teachers, offering students a head start in their careers while still in high school.
By the numbers: 65 students across seven districts are participating, gaining classroom instruction, paid training, and credentials.
What’s next: With positive feedback and growing interest, the program may expand statewide, providing more students with valuable experience and qualifications. (Inside Indiana Business)
Teen Tobacco Use Falls to 25-Year Low
Roughly 8% of U.S. teens report using tobacco products — the lowest rate since 1999, according to 2024 federal estimates released on Thursday.
Why it matters: Despite significant declines, public health advocates warn the trend has been slowed by the popularity of products like flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among kids.
- About 1 in 12 middle and high school students still report current use of any tobacco product.
By the numbers: The Centers for Disease Control said 1 in 10 high school students reported use of tobacco products within the last 30 days.
- About 1 in 20 middle school students reported current tobacco use.
- Use was similar among male and female students, but males were likelier to report current use of multiple tobacco products.
- E-cigarettes were the most commonly reported tobacco product currently used (5.9%). That was followed by nicotine pouches (1.8%), cigarettes (1.4%), cigars (1.2%) and smokeless tobacco (1.2%).
- Current use of any combustible tobacco product was reported by 6.3% of American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents, followed by 4.1% Black, 3.9% of multiracial, 2.9% of Hispanic, and 2.4% of White teens.
The findings from the National Youth Tobacco Survey showed the effects of a big drop-off in e-cigarette use among high schoolers, which hit the lowest mark ever measured by the survey.
Between the lines: Advocates on Thursday still renewed calls for the Biden administration to finalize a delayed ban on menthol products.
- "With 2 million middle and high schoolers still reporting tobacco use, we have a long way to go before declaring victory. The next step is right in front of us," said Avenel Joseph, interim executive vice president at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in a statement.
- The American Heart Association also called for the Food and Drug Administration to complete its review of all premarket tobacco applications and remove all unauthorized tobacco products from the market.
- "The data point to the critical need for strong regulation to prohibit the tobacco industry from targeting communities nationwide with harmful products once and for all," said AHA CEO Nancy Brown in a statement. (Axios)
Seeking Public Comment on Indiana’s New High School Diplomas
Indiana’s Department of Education is seeking public input on its proposed diploma redesign, aimed at increasing high school relevancy.
Why it matters: This overhaul intends to streamline graduation requirements and better prepare students for college, careers, or military enlistment.
What’s new: The proposal consolidates previous dual diplomas into a single base diploma with optional “readiness” seals, reflecting students’ future goals.
What’s next: The public comment period is open until November 8, with the State Board of Education set to adopt the final rule by December.
Full details on the diploma requirements can be found in IDOE’s press release and presentation to SBOE.
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Important Dates:
- Interim Study Committee on Government - Monday, October 21 at 1:30pm
- State Fair Advisory Committee - Wednesday, October 23 at 1pm
- Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications - Thursday, October 24 at 10am
- Interim Study Committee on Education - Friday, October 25 at 9am
- Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight — Monday, October 28 at 1pm
- Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force — Tuesday, October 29 at 1pm
- Organization Day - Tuesday, November 19