Bill would force owners of electric cars to pay fee
Special charge would help offset lost gas-tax revenue.
Energy & Environment
Articles
Measure would let utilities use formula to set rates
Some utility consumer groups and large customers are fighting a proposed Indiana law that would allow power, gas and water companies to have their rates set annually by a formula rather than by state regulators.
U.S. says new rules would cut thousands of coal jobs
The Obama administration's own experts estimate their proposal for protecting streams from coal mining would eliminate thousands of jobs and slash production across much of the country
Universal curbside recycling program looks iffy
Finding a way to cover the cost of expanding the program with revenue from sales of recycled goods such as aluminum, plastic and glass has proved tough, even as commodities prices rise with the improving economy.
Duke Energy plans acquisition, new CEO
Duke Energy Corp. announced Monday an agreement to buy Progress Energy Inc. and put Progress CEO William Johnson in charge of what will be the largest U.S. utility.
Purdue professor says ethanol consumption has its limits
Current infrastructure for delivering the alternative fuel isn’t adequate to use all that the federal government says must be produced.
Indy Power sees big potential in grid power storage
Three-year-old Indy Power Systems’ first big sale is outside the sizzling, electric car segment. The Noblesville firm has landed a contract with Melink Corp. to supply a 50-kilowatt grid energy storage and peak-shaving system at the company’s Cincinnati headquarters.<
New law prohibits disposing of electronic gadgets in household trash
Marion County residents should dispose of electronics at so-called “ToxDrop” locations.
State’s big polluters spewed less last year
EPA data show an 18 percent decrease in toxic emissions among big manufacturers and electric utilities, but it’s unclear to what degree better practices—or the slow economy—had on declining levels.
Southern Indiana ethanol plant starts after long halt on work
Aventine Renewable Energy is ramping up production at an ethanol plant in southwestern Indiana that is now operating after construction work was halted for more than a year.
Group opposes city plan to pay water manager Veolia $29M
The city should refuse to pay the contract-termination fee given alleged defaults by Veolia, the consumer group says. Veolia is out after city sells the water company to Citizens Energy Group.
State reaches deal on coal-gasification plant
The state's finance authority said Thursday that it reached a 30-year deal to buy synthetic natural gas from a coal-gasification plant planned for southern Indiana, marking the first time the state has entered into such a venture.
Toxic chemical releases decrease 18 percent in Indiana
The 2009 Toxics Release Inventory released Thursday shows releases of toxic chemicals to the environment by companies in Indiana decreased by 20.6 million pounds, or 18 percent.
FEIGENBAUM: ‘There is no money’ takes on new meaning
Tight tax revenue will force hard choices on the General Assembly.
Abound Solar completes financing for Tipton plant
Company closes on a $400 million federal loan to help it take over the empty Getrag plant on U.S. 31 near Kokomo, where it wants to hire as many as 1,000 workers. The plant was acquired for $25 million.
Solar panel maker plans up to 240 jobs in Columbus
A Muncie-based startup company to spend nearly $9 million to start production at a Columbus industrial park. The plant will make high-efficiency solar panels that are in growing demand around the world.
IURC clears ex-judge in Duke Energy ethics scandal
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s internal probe found no irregularities regarding former administrative law judge Scott Storms’ handling of Duke Energy cases, but it did reopen a case Storms handled in July involving storm damages.
Duke Energy exec resigns over IURC e-mails
A top executive of Duke Energy has resigned after details of his social relationship with the former chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission became public.
Touted Build America Bonds may not be available for utility deal
Citizens Energy previously said not using the bonds would add about $100 million to the cost of the deal over 30 years.
City looking for consultants to ramp up green programs
The Office of Sustainability in November put out two requests for consultants or teams to implement environmentally friendly initiatives.