Dry cleaners moving to ‘perc’ alternatives
One of the region’s largest dry cleaning companies recently washed its hands of perchloroethylene, the dry cleaning chemical at the heart of about 170 cleaner site cleanups statewide.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Dry cleaners’ solvents taint Martinsville’s water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed placing the city of Martinsville on its Superfund priority list, citing groundwater contamination traced to several former dry cleaning shops in the heart of town.
Backers of 30-year gas-purchase deal to press on
The Indiana Finance Authority and Indiana Gasification LLC plan to amend a 30-year contract that obligates the state to buy the company's synthetic natural gas. The move is in reaction to an appeals court ruling that reversed regulators' approval of the deal.
Container makers want to restore fizz to state’s recycling fund
The money, long ago diverted by Gov. Daniels to the state’s general fund, would help reduce landfill waste and lower manufacturing costs.
Farmland prices going up in much of Indiana
A September study by Purdue University found farmland prices were as much as 18 percent higher than in 2011, and some appraisers say they continue to go up.
Lawmakers question Abound loan, citing quality issues
House Republicans want more information about a $400 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Energy Department to Abound Solar Inc., citing reports that significant “technological difficulties” with the company’s solar panels were known before the aid was approved.
Lieutenant governor hopefuls to debate environmental issues
The Hoosier Environmental Council is hosting Thursday night's debate at the Indiana History Center in downtown Indianapolis. The group says Democratic nominee Vi Simpson and Libertarian candidate Brad Klopfenstein both have agreed to take part.
Citizens’ Westfield utility acquisition will help with broader system needs
The $91 million water and sewer deal is expected to improve water distribution between northeast and northwest suburbs.
BROWNE: Finishing touches just now coming to Georgia Street
Time didn’t permit final upgrades before Super Bowl crowds descended on stretch.
City waterways initiative floats economic development ideas
More than 100 local groups are joining forces to rehabilitate neglected rivers and streams in Marion County in the hope of sparking redevelopment.
Electronics recycler adds 125 jobs in Plainfield
A recycling business that launched a local expansion project 18 months ago says the decision led to 125 new jobs.
Cummins gets EPA approval for key engine
Cummins Inc. has received the Environmental Protection Agency’s blessing on a redesigned engine that will meet the first-ever set of federal standards for heavy-duty truck emissions.
Vectren: Coal-gas plant to cost Indiana consumers $1B
The Evansville-based utility estimates all residential gas customers would see their gas bills increase an average of $3.90 per month for eight years—for a total cost of $375 per consumer.
Nature Conservancy HQ gets top green certification
The Nature Conservancy's energy-efficient Indiana headquarters has been certified with a top energy rating for innovations that include three wind turbines.
Vectren agrees to settlement in Indiana gas explosion
Vectren Corp. has agreed to pay $75,000 in penalties and take other steps in response to a natural gas explosion that destroyed a southern Indiana home and injured five people.
Citizens agrees to buy Westfield utilities for $91M
The proposed sale to Citizens Energy Group would include Westfield’s water and wastewater utilities. Citizens bought water utilities from the city of Indianapolis last year for $1.9 billion.
Wind farm in limbo over tax-credit uncertainty
Unless Congress votes to extend renewable energy tax credits by the end of the year, E-on Climate & Renewables has to have all 125 wind turbines operational in Phase 1 of the Wildcat Wind Farm in northern Madison County and eastern Tipton County.
Group seeks to halt spending on Ohio River bridges
A group that opposes two new planned Ohio River bridges is asking a judge to force Indiana and Kentucky to halt spending on the $2.6 billion project.
Citizens Energy to roll out combined bills
Gas, water and sewer charges will be consolidated into one mailing to reap savings promised in merger of gas, water utilities.
Indiana ethanol plant resumes operations
Valero Energy Corp., the third-largest U.S. ethanol producer, has restarted distilleries in Nebraska and Indiana, as profit margins for the fuel improved.