Obama administration to propose stricter smog standard
The stricter standards could make it one of the most expensive regulations ever issued, with an estimated $19 billion to $90 billion price tag and double the number of counties in violation.
Environment
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Refinery co-owned by Calumet to start producing next month
Indianapolis-based Calumet Specialty Products Partners and Bismarck-based MDU Resources Group Inc. are building the $350 million Dakota Prairie Refinery, the first greenfield refinery built in the U.S. since 1976.
Reservoir opponents voice environmental concerns
Most of the spectators at Wednesday night's panel discussion about the proposed Mounds Lake reservoir were there to reinforce their opposition to the project. Others came to learn more about the issues.
Initiative raises $1M to boost science-based ag businesses
AgriNovus, the newest initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, wants to help Hooosier ag companies play a leading role in figuring out to feed the world’s fast-growing population.
Red Gold plans expansion after bumper tomato crop
The Indiana-based tomato processor is spending more than $8.5 million to add more than 250,000 of space to its facilities in Geneva.
Vectren sending out big bills after underestimates
Several thousand Vectren electricity customers in Indiana are facing huge bills after the company underestimated what they owed over the summer.
Plan to form reservoir planning board put on hold
A vote on the creation of a board to oversee plans for a proposed reservoir on the White River in central Indiana has been put on an indefinite hold.
Dow Agro’s Enlist weed killer cleared by EPA
Enlist Duo can be used in six states, with approval pending in another 10, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday. Dow is counting on the system to help double earnings at Dow AgroSciences in five to seven years.
Votes delayed on forming agency for planned lake
Project advocate Rob Sparks said he's asked the Madison County Council to push back consideration of the proposed Mounds Lake Commission until at least next month.
USDA ups expected record corn, soybean harvest
The Department of Agriculture says 22 states will set corn record yields this year. Corn farmers are expected to harvest a national average of 174.2 bushels per acre, a significant increase over the record of 169.
Indiana farm fatalities continue downward trend
The report says Indiana has had fewer than 30 documented deaths from farm-related accidents each year since 1996.
Neighbors file suit to block 2,000-hog facility
Nearby residents raised worries that the hog facility would lower the water table, cause odors and increase truck traffic near their homes in the rural area about 30 miles south of Indianapolis.
Second solar farm slated for Indy airport
Airport officials have agreed to lease about 76 acres of land at the airport to the same private developers who created the current, 44,000-panel field by the Interstate 70 exit.
State energy trade association replaces longtime leader
The Indiana Energy Association has appointed former Northern Indiana Public Service Co. President Mark Maassel as president, succeeding longtime leader Ed Simcox, the organization announced Thursday.
Wal-Mart targeted by lawsuit for local PCB discovery
The complaint stems from the discovery of the carcinogen at a Wal-Mart return center on the east side of Indianapolis. The suit seeks class-action status on behalf of its 600 workers.
USDA approves new modified corn, soybean seeds
The farmers won't be able to take full advantage of the seeds until the EPA issues a second ruling allowing the use of weed killer Enlist. The EPA has said it will rule this fall on Indianapolis-based Dow AgroSciences' application to market the chemical.
Paper companies sue over Indianapolis recycling deal
A lawsuit filed by two paper companies and an Indianapolis resident seeks to invalidate a city agreement with Covanta to build a $45 million recycling center.
Indiana gives initial OK to off-site manure ponds
A state panel gave preliminary approval Wednesday to Indiana's first rules governing big stand-alone ponds and lagoons built to hold manure trucked in from livestock farms.
Banner year for central Indiana crops nothing to bank on
Hoosier farmers are expecting a record haul in corn and soybeans this year, but crop revenue might fall below production costs.
Renault teams with Bollore to promote electric cars
Renault SA is teaming up with French billionaire Vincent Bollore to make electric cars as the two struggle to establish a market for the emission-free vehicles, including one in Indianapolis.