Indiana experts weigh in on environmental issues
A panel discussion includes topics ranging from green power initiatives and hybrid cars to landfill policies and environmental regulations.
Emissions
Articles
State’s big polluters spewed less last year
EPA data show an 18 percent decrease in toxic emissions among big manufacturers and electric utilities, but it’s unclear to what degree better practices—or the slow economy—had on declining levels.
Toxic chemical releases decrease 18 percent in Indiana
The 2009 Toxics Release Inventory released Thursday shows releases of toxic chemicals to the environment by companies in Indiana decreased by 20.6 million pounds, or 18 percent.
Duke Energy wins verdict reversal in clean-air case
The renovations complied with Indiana’s plan for implementing the federal Clean Air Act, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago said in Tuesday’s ruling.
Farmers fear possible tougher dust rules from EPA
Farming groups have urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to retain its current standards for dust, soot and other microscopic particles, arguing that tighter restrictions would be unworkable.
13 Indiana companies, school systems get diesel funds
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says a federal grant will help pay for retrofitting school buses, technology to reduce idling by tractor trucks, towboats and locomotives, and fuel-efficient tires and aerodynamic trim for tractors and trailers.
Hoosier Energy reaches settlement with EPA
Rural electric cooperative to pay civil penalty of nearly $1 million for not using most modern pollution controls. Hoosier Energy also to spend up to $300 million on pollution controls at coal-fired plants.
Proposed air pollution rule could cost utilities
Indiana’s utilities are scrambling to assess the cost of tighter air pollution limits proposed this month by the Environmental Protection Agency that could drive up electric rates.
Lugar’s energy bill winning support
Lugar’s bill may be able to muster the 60 votes needed for Senate passage because it wouldn’t cap emissions or expand offshore
drilling, two controversial issues in the Senate.
IPL settles $190M dispute, resumes wind farm project
Indianapolis Power & Light tilted at wind farm developer by terminating its contract. Now a new agreement avoids the potential
$190 million in damages enXco sought against the local utility.
Study: Indiana shows long-term decrease in air toxics
IDEM says in its newly released “ToxWatch” report that the level of air toxics over the last decade has “decreased
to within levels acceptable to the U.S. EPA.
IDEM chief choking on EPA’s new ozone proposal
Cost of proposed EPA ozone limit would far outweigh any potential health benefits, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
commissioner says.
Duke: New coal plant’s cost rises to $2.9B
Duke Energy says the cost of the coal-gasification power plant it’s building in southwestern Indiana has risen by $530 million.
Purdue solar car wins international contest
The three-wheeled Pulsar took top honors against 65 college and high school teams from eight nations.
Cummins, government settle alleged air violations
Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. has agreed to pay a $2.1 million penalty and recall 405 heavy-duty engines for alleged Clean
Air Act violations.
Bill could pave way for Indiana nuclear power plants
The word “nuclear” isn’t even mentioned, but Senate Bill 69 is a virtual launch code for reviving attempts
at commercial nuclear power in Indiana.
Indiana pushes firms toward electric vehicles, but has few of its own
State government hasn’t put much money toward becoming a leader among states integrating hybrids
into their massive vehicle fleets.
Renewable power focus of utility reform in 2010 Legislature
The Hoosier Environmental Council and Citizens Action Coalition see an expansion of the state’s
“net metering” policy as achievable during the short legislative session that starts Jan.
5.
Duke reaches deal over pollution violations at Indiana plant
Duke Energy has agreed to spend $93 million to settle clean air violations at a southern Indiana power plant where it made
unauthorized changes that significantly boosted the plant’s air pollution.
Duke Energy wants ratepayers to fund carbon dioxide storage site study
The state’s utility consumer agency is opposing Duke Energy’s request to have customers pay $121 million to
study where to inject underground the carbon dioxide to be produced by its Edwardsport plant.