Butler University joins opposition to Army Corps flood wall
The university's trustees say in a letter they're worried about the wall's possible impact on Holcomb Gardens.
Energy & Environment
Articles
History points to worse-than-expected year for crops
U.S. corn farmers, who've been hurt by the worst drought in a generation, are likely to harvest smaller crops than the government forecast this month, based an analysis of dry spells in the past 42 years.
Transmission line would bring more wind power to Indiana
Indiana electric utilities choking on federal environmental rules that threaten their coal and oil-powered generating stations might be able to tap wind power generated in the plains states starting in 2017.
All 92 Indiana counties now farming disaster areas
The federal government has now declared all 92 Indiana counties as agricultural disaster areas following the state's worst drought in decades.
Regulators order Duke, Progress to disclose deals
North Carolina utilities regulators have ordered Duke Energy and Progress Energy to detail some of the deals they cut with major customers before their merger earlier this year.
Entergy faces hurdle to joining transmission pact
Arkansas regulators want guarantees that their authority will be preserved if Entergy Corp.'s utilities join Carmel-based regional transmission group MISO, raising questions about whether the deal will go through.
USDA slashes corn outlook as drought takes toll
The federal government on Friday drastically cut its expectations for U.S. corn and soybean production for the second month in a row as the worst drought in decades continues punishing key farm states.
Indianapolis airport power contract up for bid
Proposals from firms seeking to manage and operate Indianapolis International Airport’s central energy plant must be received by 2 p.m. Sept. 5.
Flood-control project could mean more trees get ax along Central Canal
The latest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for a $14.4 million floodwall and levee from Butler University to Kessler Boulevard is both good and bad news for woodland advocates.
Livestock farmers still seeking pause in ethanol production
Livestock farmers and ranchers seeing their feed costs rise because of the worst drought in a quarter-century are demanding that the EPA waive production requirements for corn-based ethanol. The Obama administration sees no need for a waiver.
Pence wants more farm promotion, technology
Mike Pence's Republican running mate, lieutenant governor nominee Sue Ellspermann, said Tuesday the state should do more to promote Indiana farm exports. She's also calling for a joint venture in developing new agriculture technology.
Two workers hurt in blast at IPL power plant
The pair were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, a company spokeswoman said. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
Indiana farmer puts purchases on hold as drought breeds doubt
A combination of little rain and record heat has roasted corn crops, dried up ponds and streams and caused farmers to postpone purchases of everything from grain bins to smartphones.
Farmers to get advice on coping with crop losses
Indiana farmers worried about what to do with their withered corn crops will gather in Vigo County this week to discuss crop insurance, cattle feeding options, and other topics related to the drought. Purdue University agricultural experts say some crops already are beyond saving.
$14M legal tab touches off new skirmish in Duke case
Citizens Action Coalition, Sierra Club, Save the Valley and Valley Watch are hoping questions over legal fees the utility agreed to pay attorneys for industrial customers scuttle a deal over cost overruns at the $3.3 billion Edwardsport coal gasification plant.
Duke Energy earnings creep up on higher rates
Duke Energy Corp.’s earnings rose 2 percent in the second quarter on higher electric rates, but newly acquired subsidiary Progress Energy saw earnings plummet as a result of planned nuclear plant outages.
N.C. regulators hire law firm to probe Duke Energy
North Carolina utilities regulators said Wednesday they have hired a former federal prosecutor with experience digging into corporate affairs to reveal whether regulators were misled ahead of a takeover that created America's largest electric company.
Judge won’t dismiss charge against ex-utility boss
A judge has refused to dismiss an official misconduct charge against Indiana's former top utility regulator, David Lott Hardy.
Small farmers struggle as drought kills vegetables
Small fruit and vegetable farmers throughout the Midwest are struggling with unusual heat and a once-in-decades drought. Some have lost crops, and sales at farmers markets are down.
Groups ask for ethanol law break as corn hits record
Livestock and poultry producers formally asked the Obama administration Monday to suspend the nation’s renewable fuels standard because it is causing “severe economic harm” as corn prices surged to a record.