New vehicles must average 40 miles per gallon in 2026, up from 24 mpg
The new requirements increase gas mileage by 8% per year for model years 2024 and 2025 and 10% in the 2026 model year.
Energy & Environment
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White River group pushes ahead with public access plans, fundraising
The group is launching an annual fundraising campaign to help pay for gravel parking lots, access roads, signage, security lighting and cameras, and boat ramps for areas along the White River in Hamilton, Marion and Morgan counties.
UPDATE: Biden tapping oil reserve for 6 months to control gas prices
The release of reserves in the U.S. could create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has already twice ordered releases from the strategic reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets.
U.S. seeks new lithium sources as demand for batteries grows
The U.S. will need far more lithium to achieve its clean energy goals, but the industry that mines, extracts and processes the chemical element faces a host of challenges from environmentalists, Indigenous groups and government regulators.
Commerce investigation imperils solar industry, advocates say
Clean energy leaders said the investigation—which could result in retroactive tariffs of up to 240%—would severely hinder the U.S. solar industry, leading to thousands of layoffs and imperiling up to 80% of planned solar projects in the United States.
AES Indiana’s Martinsville plant back online after nearly a year of repairs
The power plant is one of three generating stations that provides electricity to about 500,000 AES Indiana customers in central Indiana. The utility said it has made a wide series of repairs since the plant conked out nearly a year ago.
Major restaurant chains commit to eliminating ‘forever chemicals’
The effort to stamp out the chemicals comes in response to an investigation by Consumer Reports that found toxic chemicals in a majority of the food wrappers and packaging from chain restaurants and grocery stores that were tested.
New corporate climate change disclosures proposed by SEC
The required disclosures would include greenhouse gas emissions produced by companies directly or indirectly—such as from consumption of the company’s products, vehicles used to transport products, business travel and energy used to grow raw materials.
Ukraine invasion increases pressure for U.S. oil, but industry faces hurdles
Obstacles to more U.S. oil are surmountable, according to analysts, yet will take months to work through and it could be late this year or early next before a significant production increase materializes.
Indianapolis launches first phase of building energy tracking program
Called Thriving Buildings, the program’s initial phase includes voluntary participation by private building owners while mandating participation for some municipal buildings.
House Dems seek probe of Postal Service plan for new mail truck fleet
The plan largely ignores White House calls to replenish the mail-service fleet with electric vehicles and has drawn sharp criticism from the Biden administration, Democratic lawmakers and environmentalists.
Oil retreats to about $102 per barrel with focus on Ukraine-Russia talks
A further round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials on Monday will focus on discussing a potential ceasefire with an immediate withdrawal of troops and security guarantees, Ukraine negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak said.
Uber charging customers new fuel fee for rides, delivery
The surcharge will be in effect for at least 60 days, after which Uber said it will assess the situation.
Court: Duke can’t make customers pay coal-ash cleanup costs
Duke Energy won’t be allowed to make its customers pay the more than $210 million needed to recoup coal-ash cleanup costs after the utility failed to follow the proper steps to recover those expenses, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled.
Michigan Legislature starts voting to pause state gas tax
The average price for unleaded gas in Indiana’s neighboring state to the north has climbed to nearly $4.25 per gallon, up 62 cents in a week and 88 cents in a month, according to AAA Michigan.
U.S. banning Russian oil imports as Biden warns of ‘costs’
The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. hit a record $4.17 Tuesday, rising by 10 cents in one day, and up 55 cents since last week, according to auto club AAA.
U.S. gasoline prices rise again on talk of banning Russian oil
Oil prices soared early Monday before retreating. Benchmark U.S. crude surged to $130 a barrel overnight, then moderated to around $119, a 3% gain, in afternoon trading. The international price skyrocketed to $139 before falling back to about $123 a barrel.
EPA rule would make heavy trucks cut smog, soot pollution
The proposal released Monday by the Environmental Protection Agency would require the industry to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% per truck over current standards by 2031.
Oil up $10 per barrel as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine deepens
The surge followed a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukrainian statehood was imperiled as Russian forces battered strategic locations.
Average U.S. gas price tops $4 per gallon, first time since 2008
During the first full week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the price of regular gas rose by almost 41 cents, according to the AAA motor club.