Duke plans 145-acre solar farm at Crane base
The project's plans call for 76,000 solar panels, with groundbreaking set for this spring so that power generation can start by the end of 2016.
Energy & Environment
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UPDATE: Bird flu outbreak contained to 10 Indiana farms
Confirmation of new bird flu cases alarmed industry officials after the rapid spread of the H5N2 virus last year led to the deaths of about 48 million turkeys and chickens, and drove egg prices higher. Indiana's poultry industry brings in about $2.5 billion a year.
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.
BlueIndy car-sharing service surpasses 1,000 memberships
General Manager Scott Prince said adoption "has been stronger than we had hoped." Another 20 charging stations are set to open by the end of February.
Farm boom fizzles as crop surplus expands financial strain
While many growers remain profitable, the global commodity slump is increasing pressure on a Midwest economy that was largely shielded from the worst of the financial crisis by high crop prices and land values.
Ringleader in $90M fuel scam sentenced to 20 years
A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to running a massive scheme involving biofuels and tax credits out of a small town east of Indianapolis.
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.
Indianapolis ends curb-side Christmas tree pickup
The city of Indianapolis tried curb-side pickup of Christmas trees last season, but it's going back to asking residents to resume dropping trees off at city parks.
Indiana firm trades in frankincense, myrrh
Northwest Indiana Trading Co., based in LaPorte County, provides exotic resins and other substances to religious practitioners across the globe.
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.
Expert predicts drop in Indiana farmland values
A Purdue economist says values will drop 5 to 12 percent in 2016 after nearly tripling from 2003 to 2014.
Renewable-energy firm to invest $180M in new facility
The operation, which is expected to employ 136 in Steuben County by 2019, will convert scrap plastic into ultra-low sulfur diesel and gasoline blendstocks.
State awards $135K in federal funds for tree programs
Recipients for tree inventory and analysis included Elkhart, $20,000; Kendallville, $17,425; West Lafayette, $18,562; and Pendleton, $11,575.
Duke Energy battles to fend off cyberattacks
The country’s largest electricity company is on alert for attacks that aim to hamper the critical flow of power and is listening to U.S. intelligence agencies about potential threats.
Dow’s merger plans with DuPont might hit antitrust roadblock
The proposed merger of Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont Co. would create the world’s largest agricultural-products company. But that’s bad news for farmers, according to some farm groups and antitrust experts.
Purdue ag, research foundation create $2M crop startup fund
Purdue University has created a $2 million fund that will help launch startup companies working to commercialize crop-boosting innovations developed by Purdue researchers.
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.
Boost of biofuel levels pleases neither refiners nor growers
The EPA’s rule could revive a congressional debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard and spill over into the presidential campaign, as candidates stump in Iowa and other corn-belt states.
Farm Bureau gets first new leader in 14 years
Vanderburgh County farmer Randy Kron was elected president Tuesday during the state convention of Indiana's largest farm organization.
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.