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.
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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.
Edwardsport plant foes finally reach settlement with Duke
Duke Energy’s settlement with four consumer and environmental groups likely means an end to all serious opposition to the $3.3 billion plant, one of the most expensive projects in Indiana history, which has been mired for years in controversy.
U.S regulator upholds complaint over Midwest power auction
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said in a ruling that changes should be made to the Midwest Independent System Operator Inc.’s forward capacity auctions. Carmel-based MISO manages the electricity network for 15 U.S. states.
Duke Energy revises $2B plan to upgrade Indiana electrical grid
Duke, which serves 810,000 customers in the state, says the new plan would raise rates by 6 percent between 2017 and 2022. The IURC rejected its original proposal in May.
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.
Groups push Pence to work on state energy plan as court considers EPA rule
There is a growing sentiment here among key energy leaders—even from those who oppose the EPA plan—that the state should develop its own compliance plan that focuses on realistic strategies to decrease carbon emissions and diversify its energy mix.
Senate blocks legislation to undercut EPA water rules
Democrats have blocked a Senate bill co-authored by Joe Donnelly of Indiana that would have forced the Obama administration to withdraw new federal rules to protect smaller streams, tributaries and wetlands from development and pollution.
Keystone XL pipeline developer asks U.S. to suspend review
Keystone XL has become one of the most contentious energy issues of Barack Obama’s presidency, and the pause would allow him to put off a tough decision on an issue that has divided key Democratic constituencies.
EPA’s clean-power initiative under renewed attack by states
The regulatory package known as the Clean Power Plan officially became U.S. law Friday. It was immediately challenged by 24 states in a U.S. appeals court filing that included Indiana.
Consumer group: Citizens water hike could cause ‘rate shock’
The Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor is asking state regulators to approve just about half the rate increase Citizens Energy Group wants to charge water customers.
Neither side happy with EPA’s new ozone standard
The Obama administration set a new national ozone standard Thursday. Business groups said it is unnecessary and could jeopardize jobs. Environmental groups said it didn’t go far enough.
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.
Industrial power users fighting to get off grid
Indiana’s manufacturers and municipal utilities are preparing to wage a battle with investor-owned power companies in their desire to get a handle on rising electricity costs.
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.
State regulators OK solar power agreements for Duke Energy
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on Thursday approved agreements between Duke Energy Indiana and the developers of the four solar farms in the works around the state.
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.
Easterly to retire after 10 years as IDEM commissioner
Thomas Easterly will retire Aug. 28 as the longest-serving commissioner for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Indiana to join states suing over new EPA water rule
Indiana has decided to join a lawsuit challenging an Obama administration rule that gives federal agencies authority to protect some streams, tributaries and wetlands under the Clean Water Act.