IDEM to hike permit fees for first time in decades
The cost of Indiana environmental permits on everything from incinerators to wastewater-treatment plants is just a fraction of what nearby states charge.
Regulation
Articles
Indiana regulators reject Vectren’s plan to build $780M gas plant
The utility had wanted to build the gas-fired plant to replace aging coal-burning units, but regulators said the plan was too risky and inflexible.
Ex-EPA chief Pruitt registers as energy lobbyist in Indiana
Scott Pruitt, the scandal-ridden former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, registered Thursday as fossil-fuels interests in the state fight to block the proposed closure of several coal-fired power plants.
Indiana House defeats proposed moratorium on new power plants
The House voted 53-38 Thursday to strip language that would have prohibited the state from approving new power plants for two years, a move widely seen as delaying construction of renewable energy projects.
Indiana Republicans push for moratorium on new power plants
The House Utilities Committee advanced legislation this week along party lines that would prohibit state regulators from approving any large new power plants until 2021. Environmentalists and utilities say the move could interrupt the transition from coal to renewable fuels and natural gas.
State electric plants pivoting away from coal
The industry is retiring coal-fired plants in favor of cheaper energy sources, including gas, solar and wind.
Duke Energy to create corrective plan for Indiana coal ash ponds
Cleanup options include excavating ponds or capping the ponds and keeping the ash in place. Both methods require steps to be taken to protect the water quality of nearby rivers or lakes.
EPA too slow on limiting toxic chemicals, critics say
Under pressure from Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it would move toward setting safety limits for a class of highly toxic chemicals contaminating drinking water around the country.
EPA decision on chemical compounds tied to health risks expected soon
The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at how to respond to a public push for stricter regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, in production since the 1940s.
EPA proposes rolling back another Obama-era coal rule
The EPA’s acting administrator signed a proposal that would loosen rule that would have required cutting-edge carbon capture techniques for new coal plants. Andrew Wheeler said the requirements were “excessive burdens” on the industry.
EPA plan for truck emission standards wins initial praise from both sides
The Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, which represents Indiana-based Cummins Inc. and other engine manufacturers, said the proposal represents a chance to modernize how the agency oversees big-rig emissions.
EPA cites Indiana factory for toxic lead
The discovery comes less than a year after Indiana officials renewed the company's air pollution permit, despite concerns from residents.
State: $2.5B coal-to-diesel project won’t harm air quality
According to the air permit application, the plant would have annual emissions of about 2.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, 225 tons of carbon monoxide and 120 tons of sulfur dioxide.
Two hearings set on Indiana American Water rate hike request
The utility is seeking a nearly 17 percent rate increase to help pay for more than $542 million of infrastructure investments.
New York seeks to force Indiana, other ‘upwind’ states to upgrade pollution technology
The state of New York is blaming 49 industrial sites in Indiana—and hundreds of other sites across the Midwest—for causing it to miss ozone air-pollution requirements.
Maryland plans to appeal EPA denial of petition involving Indiana plants
Maryland contends the power plants in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are violating the “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act.
Central Indiana well field approved as EPA cleanup priority
The site is called the Broadway Street Corridor Groundwater Plume. Officials have reported finding contaminated groundwater with concentrations of trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene and other chemicals.
Weed killer’s future targeted in appeal of EPA approvals
When it comes to killing weeds, Bayer AG’s crop chemical XtendiMax has become a powerful new tool for American farmers. But environmental groups and companies such as Indiana-based Red Gold Tomatoes aren’t fond of the product’s unintended side effects.
EPA begins cleanup of toxic south-side commercial property
The city-owned site on South Tibbs Avenue served as an oil-collection, storage and transfer facility for decades before being abandoned in 1993.
Vectren shareholders approve $6B merger with Texas utility
The combined company would serve more than 7 million gas and electricity customers in eight states and hold about $29 billion in assets.