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.
Environment
Articles
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.
Ohio firm to build hydroponic veggie farm in Indy
The city of Indianapolis is partnering with the Toledo company to build the $1.2 million project in a retrofitted, southeast-side warehouse.
Dow Agro sees sales fall as ag market stalls
Sales at Dow AgroSciences LLC fell in the second quarter due to lower demand in the Americas and a stronger U.S. dollar. Dow’s profits, however, rose 8 percent due to cost-cutting and the sale of one product line.
Indy officials hope zoning change spurs energy-saving transport
Developers could save when they scale back the required number of parking spaces and instead offer bike racks, electric-car charging stations or other “green” amenities.