IDEM doles out $1M in recycling grants
Five of the grants are for central Indiana projects—ranging from a curbside recycling program in Shelbyville to an agricultural plastics collection and processing project in Marion County.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Gas prices heading up after lengthy reprieve, forecasts say
The 2017 increase likely won't be large. But a range of local companies, from logistics providers to auto auctioneers, will be keeping an eye on the situation.
Former IDEM leader to lead Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources
Carol Comer, who served as commissioner of Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management until earlier this month, has already landed a new job in Missouri.
Citizens sells liquefied natural gas unit to equity firm
A five-year-old Indianapolis company that supplies liquefied natural gas to trucking companies, manufacturers and other customers is now under new ownership.
Judge denies injunction to block VA’s Crown Hill cemetery project
The Indiana Forest Alliance said the judge's ruling "makes a travesty of our environmental law" and vowed to appeal.
Obama’s EPA moves to preserve gas-mileage requirements
Friday’s action keeps in place pollution-reduction targets for the years 2022-2025. That means the fleet of new cars will have to average 51.4 miles per gallon by 2025, up more than 18 mpg from the 33.2 mpg requirement in 2015, the most recent year available.
U.S. government accuses Fiat Chrysler of cheating on emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency issued a “notice of violation” to the company that covers about 104,000 vehicles, including the 2014 through 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram pickups.
Ballard interviews for Trump administration job
Indianapolis’ former two-term Republican mayor was in New York City to interview for a job in President-elect Trump’s administration and says he’s “deeply impressed” with the transition team.
Closing IPL’s toxic ponds could cost millions
As IPL ditches coal in favor of natural gas at power plants in Indianapolis and Martinsville, the utility wants to close their coal ash pits, cover the tops with plastic membranes, and top them off with nearly three feet of sand and soil.
Atterholt wants job back on state utility board
Gov. Mike Pence’s chief of staff, who will lose his position when Pence leaves office on Monday, is seeking to return to the five-member state commission that oversees utilities.
Pence extends minimum energy standards for buildings
The outgoing governor was set to let the rules expire on Jan. 1. A Department of Homeland Security spokesman says new outdoor stage rules are also in the works.
IPL seeks rate hike that could add $10 per month to typical home bill
The utility says the increase, which would go into effect by the end of 2017, would be used to build one of the “cleanest, most efficient natural gas plants ever to be built in Indiana.”
Pence could leave state with no energy standards for buildings
Critics say the absence of standards could have negative results for Hoosiers’ energy bills and lead to a “slumlord’s dream” scenario.
IUPUI awarded $1.5M to help manufacturers find energy savings
The school’s program already has recommended $11 million in savings for more than 75 companies since 2011.
U.S. gas prices jump 6 cents over two weeks
The hike mostly results from an agreement Nov. 30 by major oil-producing countries to slash output.
Central Indiana power plant suffers second worker death this year
Coroner Annette Rohlman says the death Monday afternoon at the Eagle Valley Generating Station is being investigated as an accident.
Bicentennial trust preserves more than 11,000 Indiana acres
The program works to acquire land for conservation and recreation. It honors the establishment of the state park system, which was created in 1916 to commemorate Indiana's centennial.
UPDATE: Forest Alliance sues to stop Crown Hill cemetery project
The controversy over the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ plans to develop a military cemetery on 15 wooded acres north of Crown Hill Cemetery has ended up in court.
Brehob Nursery sells to out-of-state conglomerate
Brehob, founded in 1969 and employing about 170 workers for most of year, will move its corporate offices from the south side of Indianapolis to Westfield.
Vectren plans to retire most coal-burning units, shift mix of power sources
In the latest move by an Indiana utility to reduce its use of coal, the Evansville-based utility plans to build a solar farm and substantially increase the use of natural gas as a fuel source.