Bill to ban microbeads headed to governor’s office
Legislation that would prevent the sale of any products containing microbeads in Indiana, is headed to the governor’s office for final approval.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Fast-growing Blue Pillar lands nearly $14M in funding
With the new infusion, the maker of energy-management software has brought in about $25 million in venture capital.
Ballard: Polluters dawdling on brownfield cleanup
The owners of more than 20 polluted industrial sites in Indianapolis are hiding behind the legal protections of a state-run voluntary program to delay cleanup, Mayor Greg Ballard alleges in a letter to state regulators.
Young firm aims to clean up in ‘green’ laundry niche
Brandon Evans and Andrew Insley hope their laundry detergent startup sets itself apart from the crowded field of competitors that say they use “natural” ingredients. Their point of differentiation: truly making good on that claim.
Senate panel advances bill to ban microbeads
Senate Commerce and Technology Committee members voted 6-0 Thursday to advance the measure that would gradually phase out the sale and production of cosmetics with microbeads. The House unanimously passed the legislation last month.
Republicans fail to override Obama veto of Keystone pipeline
Eight Democrats joined 54 Republicans in voting to overturn the veto, short of the two-thirds super majority needed. Obama said he opposed the bill because it would circumvent his administration’s review, now in its sixth year.
Senate leader puts fenced-hunting bill on hold
The leader of the Indiana Senate said Wednesday that a bill to legalize and regulate fenced deer hunting will remain in the rules committee he controls until the GOP caucus finds a solution “that’s fair and reasonable.”
Record beef prices not expected to ease any time soon
After shrinking supply sent beef costs surging last year, the government still expects output to drop to a 22-year low in 2015.
Speaker kills bill criticized as detrimental to solar usage
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, has killed a bill that critics say would have depressed the use of solar and other alternative energies.
U.S. charges Duke with illegal pollution from coal ash dumps
Duke Energy said Friday that it has already negotiated a plea agreement under which it will admit guilt and pay $102 million in fines, restitution and community service.
Developer gives up 37-year fight for landfill near Anderson
Bex Farms Inc. and an affiliate have withdrawn their application to renew the landfill permit for a 13-acre site near Mallard Lake and Killbuck Elementary School.
Conservative groups oppose Indiana net metering bill
Like Common Core to the education world, the utility issue of net metering is drawing opposition from conservative groups with a libertarian bent.
New Indy transit center balances utility, dignity, design
The team charged with designing and engineering downtown’s $20 million transit center—which has begun to emerge south of Washington Street between Delaware and Alabama streets—took on three core challenges.
Bill that riles solar industry passes House committee
A controversial bill to change the guidelines governing Hoosiers using alternative energy sources – including solar and wind power – passed a House Committee on Wednesday.
Study shows no big issues over proposed Indiana reservoir
The state-funded study looked at the cost and environmental impact of the proposed 2,100-acre Mounds Lake reservoir, which would be formed by putting an earthen dam on the White River in Anderson, with an estimated cost of $440 million.
Regulators slash proposed rate-hike request for BlueIndy plan
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Wednesday shot down the bulk of a plan by Indianapolis Power & Light to charge ratepayers $16 million for costs involving a proposed all-electric car-sharing service called BlueIndy.
Solar industry plots cooperative strategy
Imagine seeing the price of gas drop 50 percent, then finding out you couldn’t take advantage because of a law that excluded drivers who lease their vehicles or whose fuel tank is on the wrong side.
Study: Tax benefits could help homeowners justify solar
Farms have a greater chance than homes of saving money with solar, according to a recent study by Purdue University energy economists.
Energy-conservation legislation easily passes Senate
The bill, authored by Sen. Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, would replace the Energizing Indiana program, which the General Assembly canceled last year over the objection of environmental groups.
Farm income heading toward third straight annual decline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects 2015 net-cash income from all farm activity at below $100 billion, the lowest since 2010.