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.
Regulation
Articles
State seeks applicants for open utility regulatory position
The opening on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission was created by the resignation of Commissioner Carolene Mays-Medley, who stepped down in April.
IURC OKs Duke Energy rate hike to fund more than $1B in upgrades
Under a settlement Duke reached with consumer groups, customers will pick up $1.4 billion of the price tag, down from the $1.8 billion the utility originally sought.
IPL seeks rate hike to clean up Petersburg coal plant
IPL has filed petitions with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to install $100 million worth of pollution controls at Petersburg, a move it says will allow it to meet strict environmental regulations.
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.
Chemical companies facing tougher EPA oversight
Congress is working to send President Barack Obama the biggest overhaul of rules governing chemicals in four decades, a change sought by an industry that has faced a hodgepodge of retailer bans, consumer boycotts and state regulations.
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.
Major overhaul to city’s zoning code takes effect
Indy Rezone replaces a 1969 version and provides a host of updates addressing more modern urban development.
Coal layoffs in Indiana continue as industry struggles
Hundreds of Indiana miners have lost their jobs in recent months as national demand shrinks due to cheaper natural gas and tougher environmental policies.
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.
IPL lands regulatory OK for $29.6 million rate hike
About 470,000 customers of Indianapolis Power & Light Co. can expect to see their monthly bills increase after state regulators approved an order allowing the utility to collect an additional $29.6 million in annual revenue.
Duke reaches settlement over $1.4B modernization plan
The utility said Monday it has reached a settlement agreement with the Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor and some consumer groups on its new plan, which calls for updating and replacing aging substations, utility poles, power lines and transformers.
Senate panel overhauls environmental rules bill
Indiana would keep its authority to make its own environmental rules after a Senate committee passed an overhaul to a bill that would have let the federal government set all standards.
Utility wants to expand water, sewer service in Hancock County
A small utility cooperative’s plan aims to help spur development in unserved areas between Greenfield and Fortville.
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.”
Bill could put crimp in farm-to-table poultry trade
The bill’s sponsors say its purpose is consumer safety. Small poultry producers contend it would hamstring their ability to compete in a marketplace dominated by large producers.
House panel OKs bill limiting environmental rulemaking
An Indiana House committee has narrowly advanced a bill that would prohibit state agencies from enacting environmental rules and standards tougher than federal regulations.
Senate passes bill regulating fenced-in deer hunting
Hunting preserves have operated unregulated in Indiana since February, after a court ruling that said the Department of Natural Resources overreached when it tried to close one in Harrison County.
Merritt loses job as railroad exec, a role critics called conflict
As chairman of Senate Utilities Committee, Sen. James Merritt supported numerous bills favored by big utilities, the railroad’s biggest customer. Now he’s out of a job.