Biden’s pledge to make federal fleet electric faces slow start
President Joe Biden last year directed the government to purchase only American-made zero-emission passenger cars by 2027.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Indiana task force weighs green energy and affordability
As Indiana looks to form an energy policy of the future, not everyone is in agreement on how much of a role fossil fuels will play in that equation.
Holcomb touts carbon capture law, adding to Indiana’s hydrogen plans
The bill creates a regulatory framework for companies to store captured carbon dioxide underground in Indiana.
You don’t have to own a home to go solar; some renters have an option, too
Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia allow community solar projects. Indiana is not one of them, according to the EPA.
EV charging patterns could put strain on power grid, study says
Power companies are offering price breaks to customers who charge their electric vehicles at night, but that’s not an ideal time for a power grid that is switching increasingly to renewables and other clean energy sources.
Indiana utility seeking 16.5% electric rate increase
Merrillville, Indiana-based Northern Indiana Public Service Co. asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission this week to approve the rate increase over two years for its 470,000 customers across 32 northern Indiana counties.
Senate ratifies international climate deal on refrigerants
The agreement compels the United States and other countries to limit use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning that are far more powerful than carbon dioxide.
Indiana joins 7 states in forming hydrogen coalition
The coalition says the effort will leverage each state’s unique assets while boosting hydrogen production with little to no greenhouse gas emissions.
Veleta appointed to Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission
David Veleta succeeds David Ober, who resigned as commissioner in June after being named vice president of taxation and public finance for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Production resumes at Indiana refinery shut down after fire
The refinery produces about 435,000 barrels per day and provides about 20% to 25% of the refined gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel used by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Indiana plans 100 EV fast-charging stations on major roads
About 40 stations, including roughly a dozen in the Indianapolis area, will be partially funded through Indiana’s $100 million portion of the $1 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last November.
Retailers pull lobster from menus after ‘red list’ warning
Thousands of businesses use Seafood Watch’s recommendations to inform seafood buying decisions, and many have pledged to avoid any items that appear on the red list.
Activists call on AES Indiana to retire coal-fired Petersburg plant
The largest and dirtiest power plant in AES Indiana’s fleet is coming under renewed criticism for violating its air and water permits and for maintenance problems that have contributed to higher customer bills.
17 states weigh adopting California’s electric car mandate
States with vehicle emission standards tied to rules established in California face weighty decisions on whether to follow that state’s new rules that require all new cars, pickups and SUVs to be electric or hydrogen powered by 2035.
Environmental group opposes wastewater plant
The Hoosier Environmental Council is now supporting the West Indianapolis Neighborhood Congress in its fight against the wastewater treatment facility the Ben Davis Conservancy District wants to build at 900 S. Tibbs Ave.
Ray’s Trash Service acquired by Waste Management
Ray’s, based in the Hendricks County town of Clayton, was founded in 1965 and offers waste-management and recycling services in 17 central Indiana counties, including Marion and all surrounding counties.
Indiana refinery fire expected to have little impact on gas prices
Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst at GasBuddy, which tracks gas prices nationally, called the Whiting facility closure a “temporary setback.”
EPA waives fuel rule in four states after Indiana refinery fire
The waiver lifts a Clear Air Act requirement that lower-volatility gasoline be sold in the states during summer months to limit ozone pollution. The refinery provides about 20% to 25% of the gasoline, jet fuel and diesel used by Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Westfield residents seek to save Midland Trace’s trees
Duke Energy Indiana is planning to expand transmission lines, but residents are worried that some routes being considering would spoil the trail and tree-lined neighborhoods.
EPA to designate ‘forever chemicals’ as hazardous substances
The chemicals can accumulate and persist in the human body for long periods of time, and evidence from animal and human studies indicates that exposure to might lead to cancer or other health problems.