Trump signs executive orders to help dying coal industry
The president directed federal agencies to loosen various restrictions on coal mining, leasing and exports.
Energy & Environment
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Attorneys inundated with questions from businesses, nonprofits about Trump’s policy moves
The topics of the inquiries range from grant funding to tariffs to immigration to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Swimming upstream? SCOTUS decision, Indiana legislation reignite wetlands debate
A ruling that was 15 years in the making has now sparked passionate discourse in the Indiana Statehouse as changes to wetlands occur.
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Rates ruling: Solar power takes center stage in legal dispute over southern Indiana utilities
A utility lawsuit dealing with rates for solar customers traveled all the way up to the Indiana Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of a major Indiana utility.
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Bill would require de novo judicial review of environmental agency decisions
A bill proposed in the 2022 Indiana legislative session would have required trial courts to try disputed issues of fact de novo in a judicial review of certain agency actions. Republican Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, said he authored House Bill 1063 in an attempt to even the playing field between decision-making agencies and Hoosiers, and in response to an Indiana Supreme Court decision.
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Articles
Opposition brings likely end to Indiana utility siting bill, but the issue isn’t going away
A key lawmaker called the bill a response to ongoing resistance of local governments to greenlight solar, wind and other renewables projects that are necessary to support the state’s growing energy demands.
Colin Connor: Keep an eye on these Indiana environmental bills
One measure would recognize natural gas as “clean energy” or “green energy” for state or federal funding or incentive purposes.
Judge blocks ‘right of first refusal’ law on electric transmission projects as MISO readies to OK bids
U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruled that an act signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2023 that gives local utilities the right of first refusal on electric transmission projects discriminates against interstate commerce.
Report finds that Hoosier electricity, energy costs continue to grow
In one year’s time, the state’s biggest utility companies disconnected 174,015 Hoosier households, turning off the lights and heat at a time when energy costs are growing faster than Hoosier paychecks.
Controversial carbon sequestration fertilizer project to receive $1.559 billion from feds
The U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday that it has made a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.559 billion to Wabash Valley Resources, LLC for a West Terre Haute fertilizer development.
A potential Trump VP pick backs a controversial CO2 pipeline favored by the Biden White House
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is one of Donald Trump’s most visible and vocal backers, sprinting around the country to drum up support for the former president’s comeback bid while auditioning to be his running mate. Far from the glare of the campaign trail, however, Burgum is wrestling with a mammoth carbon dioxide pipeline project in his home state.
In suit co-led by Indiana, red states challenge Biden’s coal-plant pollution curbs
More than two dozen states, including Indiana, are challenging a new Biden administration rule that forces U.S. power plants to stifle greenhouse gas pollution, calling it an unlawful bid to remake the nation’s electricity system.
Supreme Court seems skeptical of EPA’s ‘good neighbor’ rule on power plant pollution
The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed skeptical Wednesday as the Environmental Protection Agency sought to continue enforcing an anti-air-pollution rule in 11 states while separate legal challenges proceed around the country.
Hamer: Commercial property environmental due diligence
Many new property owners and lessors also aren’t aware of — and don’t budget for — the duty to perform ongoing obligations in order to keep whatever legal defenses they may have from their environmental site assessment.
Alson and Pashos: Judicial deference to administrative agencies in 2024
In the four decades since Chevron was decided, it has been cited in more than 18,000 cases. Today, however, the future of the “Chevron deference” is uncertain.
Sugarman: Change coming to judicial review of agency action in Indiana?
Two cases currently pending before the United States Supreme Court have the potential to change the face of administrative law at the federal and, perhaps, state level by eliminating or significantly curtailing Chevron deference.
Following her curiosity: Chief Environmental Law Judge Davidsen preparing for retirement after 20 years
The path to judgeship wasn’t a straight shot for Chief Environmental Law Judge Mary Davidsen, but she let her curiosity lead her along the way.
Duke Energy argues cases against Carmel, Noblesville before the Indiana Supreme Court
Legal counsel for Duke Energy argued two cases before the Indiana Supreme Court Thursday — from both sides of the courtroom — on separate matters relating to where it maintains its equipment and facilities.
Deep sea mining permits may be coming soon. What are they and what might happen?
The International Seabed Authority — the United Nations body that regulates the world’s ocean floor — is preparing to resume negotiations that could open the international seabed for mining, including for materials critical for the green energy transition.
Huldin: EPA approves Phase I standard: Is your real estate deal ready?
ASTM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have added new requirements for a Phase I to meet compliance with the all appropriate inquiry requirements.
Shoultz & Wheeler: Keeping the lights on in Indiana in transition to renewables
While the 2023 Indiana General Assembly is poised to enact some long overdue advancements to help keep the lights on, a perfect storm is looming that may leave Indiana in the dark.
Doehrmann, Wieg & Haughey: Working in a PFAS world: What you need to know
PFAS are almost ubiquitous in our environment, contained in such everyday items as food packaging, nonstick cookware, furniture coatings, carpeting, apparel, paints, soaps and personal care products.
Relue, Connor & Townsend: The future’s so bright (I gotta wear shades)
Indiana communities can now choose to become solar energy-ready communities under Indiana Code § 8-1-42.
Bill seeks to prevent federal takeover of Indiana air pollution program
Indiana’s air pollution permitting program is low on money, edging toward violation of the federal Clean Air Act — and a potential U.S. Environmental Protection Agency takeover. And it’s because air pollution is decreasing.