Lawmaker seeks answers on Mounds reservoir proposal
The proposed $450 million reservoir near Anderson—created by damming the White River—should be reviewed by a state legislative committee, according to a lawmaker opposed to the project.
Environmental Policy
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Indiana to join states suing over new EPA water rule
Indiana has decided to join a lawsuit challenging an Obama administration rule that gives federal agencies authority to protect some streams, tributaries and wetlands under the Clean Water Act.
High court rules against EPA power plant mercury limits
The court said by a 5-4 vote Monday that the Environmental Protection Agency failed to take cost into account when the agency first decided to regulate the emissions from coal- and oil-fired plants.
Court tosses suits challenging climate change plan
A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out a pair of high-profile lawsuits challenging the Obama administration's sweeping plan to address climate change, saying it's too early to challenge a rule that isn't yet final.
House votes to block EPA regulation of streams, wetlands
The proposed rules have fueled political anger in the country’s heartland, becoming a top issue of concern for many farmers and landowners who say there are already too many government regulations affecting their businesses.
Senate passes resolution opposing tougher ozone limits
Indiana lawmakers say the tougher federal standards on smog-forming pollution will harm the state's economy.
Bill to ban microbeads headed to governor’s office
Legislation that would prevent the sale of any products containing microbeads in Indiana, is headed to the governor’s office for final approval.
Senate panel advances bill to ban microbeads
Senate Commerce and Technology Committee members voted 6-0 Thursday to advance the measure that would gradually phase out the sale and production of cosmetics with microbeads. The House unanimously passed the legislation last month.
Central Indiana reservoir foes back river trails
Environmental groups are proposing a system of trails to promote use of the White River in central Indiana rather than damming it for a proposed $450 million, seven-mile-long reservoir.
Groups want Indianapolis utility to test water
Environmental, health and neighborhood groups are calling on the Marion County Health Department to compel Indianapolis Power & Light to test groundwater at eight coal ash lagoons on the city's south side.
Not in my backyard: U.S. sending more coal abroad
The U.S. power sector is burning less coal and is reducing carbon emissions, but a growing share is finding its way to the rest of the world.
EPA: Indiana must cut carbon emissions 20 percent
Indiana has three years to come up with a plan to achieve the reductions, which were announced Monday by the EPA. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce called the requirements "potentially devastating."
Obama seeks to cut U.S. power plant carbon by 30 percent
The plan isn’t expected to make a meaningful difference in reducing climate change, but will give President Obama evidence of America leading by example as he tries to persuade other nations to cut their carbon emissions.
Experts expect higher electric bills amid tighter pollution rules
The Energy Department predicts retail power prices will rise 4 percent on average this year, the biggest increase since 2008. By 2020, prices are expected to climb an additional 13 percent, a forecast that does not include the costs of coming environmental rules.
Supreme Court upholds EPA rule on cross-state pollution
The 6-2 ruling was an important victory for the Obama administration in controlling emissions from power plants in 27 Midwestern and Appalachian states. Texas led 14 states, including Indiana, and industry groups in challenging the rule.
Study: Fuels from corn waste not better than gas
A $500,000 study paid for by the federal government and released Sunday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Climate Change concludes that biofuels made with corn residue release 7 percent more greenhouse gases compared with conventional gasoline.
Environmental groups sue to stop Illiana Tollway
Chicago environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday to stop the proposed $1.3 billion Illiana Tollway linking northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana, claiming the Illinois Department of Transportation doesn't have authority to develop it.
Manufacturers help drive recycling bill to passage
A state lawmaker who co-authored legislation setting a goal for Indiana to eventually recycle at least half of its municipal waste says the state's resource-hungry manufacturing industry was a key to the bill's passage this year.
Pence lets bill ending Energize Indiana become law
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will let a bill that eliminates an energy-conservation program become law without his signature, prompting harsh words from environmental leaders who opposed the bill.
Big businesses fight over Indiana energy program
Two giant corporations that sell products that save electricity want Gov. Mike Pence to veto a bill that would halt the program called Energizing Indiana.