U.S. farm income could drop 6.5 percent in 2012
The biggest crop acreage in a generation and increasing costs for fuel, pesticides and feed will trim the record profits seen in 2011 to $91.7 billion, according to the USDA.
Environment
Articles
State Fair Commission breaks ground on ‘Glass Barn’
The $2.9 million building on the 250-acre fairgrounds campus will feature interactive exhibits focusing on new technologies used on modern farms.
Indianapolis Parks Foundation leader plans retirement
The Indianapolis Parks Foundation will start looking this week for a replacement for President Cindy Porteous, who plans to retire after 12 years at the not-for-profit.
Farmers plan biggest crops since 1984, led by corn
U.S. farmers will plant the most acres in a generation this year, led by the biggest corn crop since World War II, taking advantage of the highest agricultural prices in at least four decades.
Indiana moving slowly on lake phosphorus rules
A state effort to address phosphorous pollution that has fouled Indiana's waterways is moving forward slowly, but environmental groups' hopes for help from lawmakers is likely to be dashed this year.
Bill could put squeeze on recycling programs statewide
Waste management districts would need county OK to levy property taxes to fund their programs.
State power rates could increase 14 percent under new rules
An analysis prepared for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission predicts new federal clean air regulations will raise electricity rates in the state by about 14 percent by 2020 because of necessary upgrades to coal-fired power plants.
Poet LLC putting plan for ethanol pipeline on hold
The nation's largest ethanol company announced Friday that it is putting on hold its plan to build a dedicated 1,800-mile ethanol pipeline because of the lack of prospects for a federal loan guarantee.
Hoosier Environmental Council monitoring three bills in General Assembly
The state’s largest green group is seeking changes to measures it says could strip funding and oversight for environmental protection.
Indianapolis-area mergers and acquisitions in 2011
A number of acquisitions last year disclosed no sale price. In the Indianapolis area, those deals ranged from MacAllister Machinery’s purchase of a Caterpillar dealership in Michigan to Herff Jones’ acquisition of a Memphis, Tenn.-headquartered maker of cheerleading uniforms.
Seats from Bush Stadium to live on at bus stops
A local group has partnered with IndyGo to pay homage to one of the city’s great sports landmarks by installing Bush Stadium’s seats at bus stops all over the city.
Daniels praises delay of federal pollution rule
Gov. Mitch Daniels is praising a court ruling that's delayed an Obama administration regulation aimed at reducing power plant pollution in 27 states that contributes to unhealthy air downwind.
Bugs may be resistant to genetically modified corn
One of the nation's most widely planted crops — a genetically engineered corn plant that makes its own insecticide — may be losing its effectiveness because a major pest appears to be developing resistance more quickly than scientists expected.
Going green is driving savings at Cummins
Cummins has invested about $10 million in 70 projects in its Indiana facilities since 2007, leading to annual savings of $4 million.
Neighborhood eyesore headed for demolition
The city is soliciting bids from companies to tear down four buildings on the 16-acre Avanti Development Corp. property, which is tucked in a residential area a few miles west of downtown Indianapolis.
City avoids foreign brands in adding to its fleet of hybrid vehicles
The Department of Public Works bought Ford Fusion hybrids after the purchase of Toyota’s a few years ago stirred controversy.
Pulliam trust plans to boost giving for environment
Starting with a $1 million grant to Marian University’s EcoLab, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust plans to start giving a greater share of its money to environmental groups.
Utility counselor seeks reprieve on coal plant emissions
In a letter to the EPA, Indiana's utility consumer counselor says the three-year timetable threatens the safety and reliability of Indiana's power supply while ignoring the high cost of compliance.
Hoosier Environmental Council joins forces with upstate advocacy group
Valparaiso-based Legal Environmental Aid Foundation will help HEC extend its reach.
Environmental group to focus legislative efforts on energy savings, transit
Led by Jesse Kharbanda, the Hoosier Environmental Council is keeping its agenda lean to boost chances for success in short session.