Neither side happy with EPA’s new ozone standard
The Obama administration set a new national ozone standard Thursday. Business groups said it is unnecessary and could jeopardize jobs. Environmental groups said it didn’t go far enough.
Environment
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Growth allows Oliver Winery to invest in big equipment
This year’s grape harvest—a process which typically runs from the end of August to the second week of October—promises to be a bit less anxiety-inducing thanks to a decision that has been slowly processing over the past five years.
Environmental groups unhappy with lead smelter settlement
A proposed settlement of alleged Clean Air Act violations involving Exide Technologies’ battery-recycling facility has upset environmental groups because the agreement doesn’t require the firm to retrofit its complex with equipment that could dramatically cut lead emissions.
Covanta moving forward on automated recycling plant
Covanta still faces opposition as it moves closer to starting construction on a $45 million facility in Indianapolis that will use automation to pluck salvageable recyclables from household trash.
State facing steep bill to keep water systems running
Much of the infrastructure that transports water from municipal drinking water plants in Indiana to homes and businesses is old and worn, and the state faces significant costs to complete needed upgrades, repairs and expansions.
Volkswagen to be subpoenaed in probe by 27 states
A majority of U.S. states, including Indiana, have begun a joint investigation of Volkswagen AG in the widening fallout from the company’s admission that 11 million of its diesel vehicles use software to cheat emissions tests.
VW not first manufacturer to use deceptive emissions tactics
Almost as soon as governments began testing vehicle emissions, automakers and engine manufacturers found ways to cheat. Indiana-based Cummins Inc., for instance, was involved in a high-profile case in the late 1990s.
Notre Dame to reduce carbon footprint after pope’s plea
Notre Dame President John Jenkins plans to announce Monday that the university will spend $113 million on renewable energy sources, including a hydroelectric project, solar power and geothermal fields.
Turkey breast prices jump after bird flu creates shortage
U.S. restaurants and retailers are facing a shortage of turkey-breast meat, with prices at a record high. The nation’s worst outbreak of avian influenza is to blame.
Connersville’s award-winning water could be bottled for sale
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water recently named Connersville as having the best-tasting water in Indiana. The city’s economic development agency is looking into bottling that award-winning water.
Indy Parks director leaving for position in Texas
Indy Parks Director John Williams has accepted the position of director of parks and recreation in Waco, Texas, the city of Indianapolis announced Wednesday morning.
Agricultural lab planning $12M facility near airport
Sure-Tech Laboratories wants to relocate its Indianapolis operations from leased space at 2435 Kentucky Ave., south of Raymond Street, to a 5,832-acre site west of South Girls School Road and north of West Washington Street.
BlueIndy faces challenges in quest for wide adoption
BlueIndy plans to charge past its skeptics as its electric car-sharing program launches in Indianapolis Sept. 2, leaving behind the political consternation about whether Mayor Greg Ballard went rogue in green-lighting the program in the first place.
Comer named commissioner of state environmental agency
Carol Comer, the chief of staff at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, has been promoted to commissioner by Gov. Mike Pence, the state announced Tuesday.
Bird flu pushes egg prices to record highs, USDA says
Average prices for Grade A large eggs delivered to the store in the Midwest hit a range of $2.73 to $2.81 per dozen, the USDA said in the report released Wednesday.
Indiana’s crops suffer while much of U.S. expects big harvest
Record summer rains have damaged roughly a quarter of Indiana's soybean and corn crops, an estimated $400 million loss.
Farmers in 88 Indiana counties eligible for disaster aid
The agency declared 53 counties as primary disaster areas Wednesday because of damages and losses that farmers have incurred. Farmers in 35 other Indiana counties contiguous to the 53 also are eligible for the loans.
Indiana farmland values fall after long rally
The Purdue Land Value and Cash Rent Survey shows prices for the state’s top-quality farmland declined by 5.1 percent from 2014 to this year
Indiana environmentalists cheer new EPA emissions standards
Indiana environmental groups are applauding President Barack Obama's newly announced mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, but Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said doesn’t intend to comply with the proposal.
Lawmaker seeks answers on Mounds reservoir proposal
The proposed $450 million reservoir near Anderson—created by damming the White River—should be reviewed by a state legislative committee, according to a lawmaker opposed to the project.