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.
Energy & Environment
Articles
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.
Legal drama over Duke Energy merger lingers
The investigations into whether regulators and consumers were misled in the run-up to the merger of North Carolina's two Fortune 500 energy companies could continue quietly for months after a deadline arrives next week.
Turf painting spreads as drought ravages lawns
With two-thirds of the nation covered by a drought that stretches from coast to coast, residents and businesses in normally well-watered areas are catching on to the lawn-painting practice employed for years in the West and Southwest to give luster to faded turf.
Water utility exploring drastic options to satisfy long-term demand
Citizens Water engineers are considering various methods, both short-term and long-term, to meet increasing demand on the water supply of Indiana’s largest metro area, which might need 50 million gallons more water per day as early as five years from now.
IPL agrees to buy solar power from Sunrise Energy Ventures
The Minnesota-based firm plans to generate the power at three, 10-megawatt sites in IPL’s service territory.
Environmental groups lose in bid to stop I-69
A federal judge has ruled against opponents of the $3 billion Interstate 69 extension between Indianapolis and Evansville who claimed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal law.
Indiana farmers unload livestock as drought continues
The ongoing drought is taking its toll on Indiana livestock farmers as they liquidate their inventories.
Duke Energy utilities probe continues after hearings
North Carolina utilities regulators said Friday they will continue their investigation into whether they were intentionally misled by executives and directors assembling the country's largest electric company.
Duke Energy director answers questions in merger probe
A long-time Duke Energy Corp. director who led the surprise CEO ouster at the country's largest electric company said Friday that reasons for the move included a long-delayed update on insurance payments for a troubled Florida nuclear power plant and personal meetings that went poorly.