HEMPSTEAD: Indianapolis approaching important tipping point
Confluence of trends, developments offer special opportunity.
Environment
Articles
High court seems to favor Monsanto in patent case
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared likely Tuesday to side with Monsanto Co. in its claim that an Indiana farmer violated the company's patents on soybean seeds that are resistant to its weed-killer.
High-stakes fight over soybeans at high court
The court case poses the question of an Indiana farmer’s actions violated the patent rights held by Monsanto, which developed seeds that survive when farmers spray their fields with Roundup weed-killer. The seeds dominate agriculture, including in Indiana, where more than 90 percent of soybeans are Roundup Ready.
Indiana coal industry scrambling to save its future
Options include increasing exports as opposition to coal-fired electricity generation heats up at both national and local levels.
Corn shortage idles 20 ethanol plants nationwide
Twenty of the nation’s ethanol plants have ceased production over the past year, including two in Indiana. There is growing concern about what happens if last year’s drought lingers through another corn-growing season.
Indiana officials look to boost agriculture research
The state's agriculture department under new Gov. Mike Pence is planning a push into the science behind food production by trying to build a network of university and commercial researchers for what's being called an Agriculture Innovation Corridor.
Regulators snuff $42M Duke Energy proposal
Utility wanted to conduct a study to determine how to dispose of carbon dioxide produced by its Edwardsport coal gasification plant.
Indy utility plans $511 million in power plant upgrades
Indianapolis Power & Light said ratepayers could expect a 2-percent to 3-percent annual increase for a “number of years,” but said he did not know how long the increases would be in effect.
Environmentalists concerned about Indiana agenda
One of Indiana's largest environmental groups said Friday it was concerned that this year's General Assembly may weaken Hoosiers' ability to protect themselves from pollution and other health risks.
Founder returning to lead city’s environmental office
Anna Jetmore-Vargas, who started the office in 2008, had most recently worked at the environmental consulting firm Kerameda Inc.
Indiana wind energy industry wants longer tax credit
Officials with Indiana's wind energy industry say they are relieved by Congress' one-year extension of a tax credit but contend it will take a longer-term approach to grow the industry and create jobs in the state.
Beautification group gets boost from Lilly Endowment
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful will use the money for 2013 operating expenses.
Bloomington earns green distinction for city hall
Other than bragging rights and a plaque on the wall, what’s the value of energy and environmental design certification for the city and taxpayers?
New panel sparks concern of chamber, environmentalists
The rules panel was authorized by a law passed last session that merged Indiana's water pollution, air pollution and solid waste management boards.
Land trust strategy goes national
The Central Indiana Land Trust has developed a 60-page strategy that identifies more than 300,000 acres that have conservation potential throughout the 3.1 million acres in Marion County and its eight surrounding counties.
Environmental enforcement stings three companies
Penalties will help fund clean-up of East Washington Street site.
Feds criticize Indiana education program for migrant children
Indiana never spent millions of dollars the federal government provided to help make sure the children of migrant workers get a good education, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Education.
Indiana farmers fear estate tax changes
Indiana farmers say they have a lot to lose should the nation go over the so-called fiscal cliff, a set of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes set to take effect in January unless the White House and Republicans negotiate a compromise.
Indy firm to clean up tainted Terre Haute site
Terre Haute officials this week awarded a $2.7 million contract to an Indianapolis company for the removal of soil to a depth of 10 feet on much of a 20-acre site where Terre Haute Coke and Carbon operated from 1926 until 1988.
City unveils plan to convert vehicle fleet from gas, diesel
Mayor Greg Ballard outlined plans to shift the city’s fleet of cars, heavy trucks and even police cruisers to a mix of electricity and natural gas by 2025.