Trump announces challenge to Obama-era fuel standards
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers—which represents a dozen major car manufacturers including General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota—praised Trump’s action.
Environmental Policy
Articles
Big utilities try to tilt solar energy market in their favor
On Thursday, Indiana legislators will begin debating a proposed law that could eventually eliminate much of the financial benefit Indiana homeowners, businesses and even some churches currently reap harvesting the sun's rays.
Closing IPL’s toxic ponds could cost millions
As IPL ditches coal in favor of natural gas at power plants in Indianapolis and Martinsville, the utility wants to close their coal ash pits, cover the tops with plastic membranes, and top them off with nearly three feet of sand and soil.
EPA proposes expanded use of Dow Agro-made herbicide
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed more than doubling the number of states allowed to use a new version of a popular weed killer on genetically modified crops despite its earlier concerns.
Holcomb, Gregg disagree about how to manage state forests
Democrat gubernatorial candidate John Gregg says there’s too much logging going on in Indiana state forests, while Republican opponent Eric Holcomb defends the state’s practices.
Both Gregg, Holcomb favor ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy
Based on their records and campaign promises, neither of the major party candidates for governor seem likely to radically reshape Indiana’s energy policies.
Indianapolis site added to EPA’s Superfund list
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday added an 18-acre contaminated groundwater site on the west side of Indianapolis to the National Priorities List of Superfund sites. The site has the potential to contaminate water for thousands of residents.
EPA watchdog says government failing to study ethanol’s impact
The Obama administration has failed to study as legally required the impact of requiring ethanol in gasoline, the Environmental Protection Agency inspector general said Thursday.
EPA strengthens greenhouse-gas efficiency goals for big rigs
A big part of the greenhouse-gas reductions are expected to come from engine improvements, cutting fuel consumption by up to 5 percent, benefiting companies like Indiana-based Cummins Inc.
Expert: Falling power plant emissions reducing corn nutrient
An Indiana agricultural expert says declining power plant emissions are apparently reducing the amount of an important nutrient corn plants get through rainfall.
Concerns raised over Indiana plan to adopt coal ash rules
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is taking public comments through June 30 on its draft plan for adopting the new rules.
EPA’s plan to boost ethanol use in gasoline gets hearing
Ethanol advocates, largely from Midwest farming states, testified that the Environmental Protection Agency's target for biofuels next year again falls short of what Congress had in mind.
Indianapolis waste site could get Superfund priority status
A hazardous waste site in Indianapolis could be added to the federal Superfund program's priority list that speeds along investigations of contamination sources and eventual cleanups.
Pence vetoes ‘no more stringent than’ IDEM rule bill
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Thursday vetoed a bill that would have prevented or delayed state environmental officials from making stricter regulations than federal law.
Bill banning local plastic bag restrictions passes Senate
The Indiana Senate has approved a measure banning local governments from taxing or restricting the use of disposable plastic bags by retailers, including grocery stores.
Harding Street power plant’s move away from coal is watershed moment
Under pressure to meet stringent clean-air regulations, Indianapolis Power & Light Co. is converting the Harding Street plant to natural gas.
Supreme Court puts Obama’s Clean Power Plan on hold
The surprising move is a blow to the administration and a victory for the coalition of 27 mostly Republican-led states, including Indiana, and industry opponents that call the regulations “an unprecedented power grab.”
Indiana House backs bill to limit state environmental rules
The Indiana House has approved a bill that would prevent state agencies from enacting environmental rules tougher than those imposed by the federal government.
Climate pact means emissions need to drop below zero
The strict standards of the Dec. 12 Paris agreement leave some observers wondering whether politicians understand the implications of the goals they signed up for.
EPA intends tougher downwind air-pollution rule in 23 states
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed tougher new limits on Tuesday on smokestack emissions from nearly two dozen states—including Indiana—that burden downwind areas with air pollution from power plants.