Entrepreneurs charged up over next venture
Longtime business partners Robert Laikin and Larry Paulson, who made their fortunes in the cellphone industry, are turning their sights to manufacturing high-density batteries for industrial uses.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Most Americans still not sold on electric vehicles, poll finds
Worries about cost are widespread, as are other practical concerns. Range anxiety—the idea that EVs cannot go far enough on a single charge and might leave a driver stranded—continues to be a major reason why many Americans do not purchase EVs.
ConocoPhillips buying Marathon Oil for $17.1B as energy prices rise
The proposed acquisition could face pushback from the U.S. which, under the Biden administration, has stepped up antitrust reviews for energy companies and other sectors as well, such as tech.
State agency denies permit to build warehouse complex on south-side wetlands
Indianapolis-based developers Gershman Partners and Citimark are seeking to develop a five-building warehouse complex on the property, but a permit denial affecting just a quarter-acre of the project could sideline the development.
With gas prices climbing, Biden administration to tap reserves
The Energy Department said the sale of 1 million barrels, about 42 million gallons, was timed to provide relief for motorists as the summer driving season begins.
U.S. says cyberattacks against water supplies are rising
The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday issued an alert urging water systems to take immediate actions to protect the nation’s drinking water.
New EPA rules target coal ash ponds for cleanup
For the first time, federal regulations will cover the nearly 50 dumps spread across 14 locations in Indiana that were previously exempted from cleanup provisions.
In suit co-led by Indiana, red states challenge Biden’s coal-plant pollution curbs
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita called the effort an overreach “that threatens the reliability of our power grid and will once again jack up utility costs for regular, everyday Hoosiers.”
Corvette will be the first hybrid pace car in Indy 500 history
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe, the 21st Corvette pace car at the Indy 500, uses naturally aspirated V-8 power and electric power.
Water systems, manufacturers brace for limits on ‘forever’ chemicals
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took a historic step in April to protect communities from so-called “forever chemicals,” with the federal agency releasing a final rule that established legally enforceable limits.
GOP gubernatorial candidates promise coal boost, utility regulator shakeups
Indiana’s Republican gubernatorial candidates overwhelmingly promised a renewed focus on coal—and pushback to federal restrictions—in a survey from a fossil fuels-oriented advocacy group.
GOP gubernatorial candidates promise coal boost, utility regulator shakeups
The candidates overwhelmingly promised a renewed focus on coal—and pushback to federal restrictions—in a survey from a fossil fuels-oriented advocacy group.
IBJ Podcast: New AES prez on goals, growing up in Indy and the system upgrades that led to billing mess
Brandi Davis-Handy discusses the customer billing issues, the challenges of growing the business and the company’s final push to eliminate coal as a source of energy for creating electricity.
U.S. solar companies, imperiled by price collapse, demand protection
Several of the biggest American solar manufacturing companies say in a petition filed with the Commerce Department that firms in four Asian countries are illegally flooding the U.S. market with Chinese-subsidized panels.
Strict new EPA rules call for coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down
The plan is likely to be challenged by industry groups and Republican-leaning states. They have repeatedly accused the Democratic administration of overreach on environmental regulations and have warned of a looming reliability crisis for the electric grid.
EPA designates two forever chemicals as hazardous substances, eligible for Superfund cleanup
Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported to federal, state or tribal officials if they meet or exceed certain levels.
Starbucks introducing cold drink cup made with less plastic
Starbucks says Frappuccinos and other cold drinks now account for 75% of its U.S. beverage sales, up from 37% in 2013.
Indiana AG files lawsuit against 22 companies over ‘forever chemicals’
The lawsuit accuses the companies of making substances that they knew could have a toxic impact on Indiana’s drinking water and natural resources.
U.S. secures $1.37M settlement for cleanup of toxic south-side commercial property
As part of the resolution, Arconic Corp., Navistar Inc., and Ford Motor Co., agreed to pay the federal government without admission of liability.
Duke Energy Indiana seeking to raise electricity rates 16%
The company filed a rate request Thursday with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in a move that would raise an extra $492 million a year.