Carbon removal technologies to get $3.5B federal investment
The Department of Energy said Thursday it will release the money to groups developing direct air capture and other technologies that remove carbon dioxide.
Energy & Environment
Articles
GOP directs culture war fury toward green investing trend
ESG—which stands for environmental, social and governance—has yet to take hold as mainstream political messaging, but backlash against it is gaining steam.
Electric vehicle commission is setting stage for industry growth in state
Members are conducting research on everything from the capabilities of Indiana’s current auto manufacturers to potential opportunities for research and development within the EV product industry.
United States can’t make enough fuel—and there’s no fix in sight
In other kinds of markets, a surge of demand and shortage of supply would trigger more investment. But the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels dims the outlook for demand, making companies unwilling to put up the billions of dollars needed to build new refinery plants.
Biden cancels offshore oil lease sales in Gulf Coast, Alaska
The Biden administration says it is canceling three oil and gas lease sales, removing millions of acres from possible drilling as U.S. gas prices reach record highs.
Drivers bemoan high gasoline prices with no relief in sight
President Joe Biden released oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in November and March, hoping to reduce prices. That helped temporarily, but prices shot back up and have stayed stubbornly high.
Average U.S. gasoline price jumps to near-record
The average price at the pump is $1.36 per gallon higher than it was one year ago.
U.S. plastics recycling rate slumps below 6%, analysis finds
Though plastics use fell in the early days of the pandemic, consumption has rebounded along with economic activity. Meanwhile, plastic waste exports have plummeted in the wake of import bans by countries such as China and Turkey.
Cummins: Suspending Russian operations cost it $158M in first quarter
Cummins made the disclosure in its first-quarter financial report. Profit dropped in the period, but sales hit a record high. The company also said interest in its emerging hydrogen business is growing.
U.S. energy chief touts $3B plan to boost EV batteries
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the new program will offer grants to companies that process or recycle battery components to increase domestic supplies of a market now dominated by China and other countries.
Citizens Energy Group proposes acquisition of Ben Davis Conservancy District
Citizens Energy Group announced Wednesday that it wants to acquire a small, little-known political subdivision in Marion County that was months away from starting construction of its own wastewater treatment plant to avoid Citizens’ rate hikes.
Purdue, Duke Energy to study nuclear reactor to power campus
Just two months after Indiana lawmakers passed a law that would allow electric utilities to build small, prefabricated nuclear reactors, Purdue University and Duke Energy Corp. jointly announced Wednesday they plan to explore the feasibility of using the technology.
Incandescent light bulbs being phased out again to save energy
The Trump administration had slowed an earlier phaseout of incandescents, saying it was targeting rules that burden businesses.
GM to offer electrified Corvette as early as next year
GM has set a goal of building only electric passenger vehicles by 2035. It has pledged to have 30 electric vehicle models for sale globally by 2025.
IndyCar, Indianapolis 500 announce plans to go green
Among the changes, all tires delivered to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be relayed by electric vehicles, and all electricity consumed at the speedway this May will be purchased through 100% renewable energy credits.
Tougher federal environmental review for big projects to be restored
A rule finalized Tuesday will restore key provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, an environmental law designed to ensure community safeguards during reviews for a wide range of federal proposals.
Biden launches $6B effort to save distressed nuclear plants
Owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down for economic reasons can apply for funding to avoid closing prematurely. The first round of awards will prioritize reactors that have already announced plans to close.
Japanese e-vehicle battery company to build $2B Kentucky plant
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Envision AESC’s plan to build a 2,000-employee plant will help make Indiana’s southern neighbor the “undisputed electric battery production capital of the United States of America.”
Biden waiving ethanol rule in bid to lower gasoline prices
Administration officials said the EPA has begun analyzing the “emergency” step of allowing more E15 gasoline sales for the summer and determined it is not likely to have significant on-the-ground air quality impacts.
Could carbon credits help fund city’s public green space?
Local officials and not-for-profits are exploring the potential sale of carbon credits to finance the maintenance and preservation of city parks, and to purchase land for more.