Public warned to avoid Hammond lake where waterfowl died
State environmental officials are warning the public to avoid a northwestern Indiana lake while authorities investigate the deaths of dozens of ducks and other waterfowl in the area.
Energy & Environment
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Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett authors first opinion
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has delivered her first opinion, writing a 7-2 decision released Thursday in a case about the federal Freedom of Information Act, which Barrett explains makes “records available to the public upon request, unless those records fall within one of nine exemptions.”
AES Indiana seeks to boost electric vehicle use with incentives that could raise rates
Electric vehicles account for a tiny fraction of the cars on the road today, but electric utility AES Indiana wants to boost that number by offering a raft of rebates and other incentives to customers who drive them.
Sugarman and Thomas: Can plaintiffs ‘squeeze’ restoration damages out of ELA?
On April 20, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Atlantic Richfield Co. v. Christian, No. 17-1498, 140 S.Ct. 1335. The Court’s holding was relatively simple: plaintiffs (Montana landowners) could bring state court claims pursuing cleanup of additional contamination from the “Anaconda Smelter,” but they were first required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to seek the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval for additional cleanup. While on its face this decision addresses the interplay between CERCLA and Montana state law claims, the ramifications of Atlantic Richfield may be felt in Indiana.
Kelln and Harrell: Hoosier McCabe’s EPA nomination elevates climate change policies
A little more than four years ago, Hoosier Janet McCabe ended her service as assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. Since then, the most significant aspects of the Obama-era climate change regulations, namely the Clean Power Plan, have been unwound. Biden’s selection of McCabe signals a doubling down on regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Doehrmann, List and Hagerty: Coal combustion residual regulation outlook under Biden
It has been just over one month since President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and he is delivering on his promise to move quickly. Biden has signed more executive orders in his first 30 days than any president in U.S. history. Perhaps another record-breaking instance is the proportion of these actions that relate to energy and environmental policies.
Toxic fallout: Remediation and lawsuits continuing at USS Lead Superfund site in East Chicago
The pictures of sun-drenched homes and neatly trimmed lawns in East Chicago showcase what is perhaps the best outcome. However, the images belie the nightmare many residents are still living. The homes along with the neighboring West Calumet Housing Project and Carrie Gosch Elementary School were all built on the USS Lead Superfund site.
Number injured after Indianapolis jail power outage rises to 28
Nearly 30 inmates were injured in falls or fights after a power outage plunged a privately operated jail in Indianapolis into darkness and a backup generator failed to kick on, officials said. The total reportedly injured in falls or fights was significantly higher than the initial number reported Monday.
Indiana panel OKs bill that sets statewide standards on renewable energy projects
A bill that would set statewide standards for large wind and solar projects in Indiana passed a House committee on Wednesday morning, following a passionate debate between renewable energy advocates and a group of residents and local officials who said the bill would take away local control.
On Day One, Biden to undo Trump policies on climate, virus
In his first hours as president, Joe Biden will aim to strike at the heart of President Donald Trump’s policy legacy, signing a series of executive actions that will reverse his predecessor’s orders on immigration, climate change and handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Supreme Court takes on early stage of global warming case
The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed cautious about siding with oil and gas companies in a case involving global warming.
Federal court strikes down major Trump climate rollback
A federal appeals court struck down one of the Trump administration’s most momentous climate rollbacks Tuesday, saying the administration acted illegally in issuing a new rule easing federal regulation of air pollution from power plants.
IU McKinney’s McCabe tapped as second-in-command at EPA
President-elect Joe Biden on Friday tapped Janet McCabe, an environmental law and policy expert and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law professor, to return to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as deputy administrator.
Lawmakers return to Statehouse for start of 2021 session
Indiana lawmakers return to the Statehouse on Monday for the start of a legislative session that will be conducted unlike any other before it.
McCabe: Biden will reverse Trump environmental policies
The Trump administration has used many tools to weaken environmental protection. For example, Trump issued an executive order in June 2020 to waive environmental review for infrastructure projects such as pipelines and highways. I expect the Biden administration will quickly signal to the nation that effectively applying the nation’s environmental laws matters to everyone – especially to communities that bear an unfair share of the public health burden of pollution.
Critics: Indiana panel’s report could lead to coal bailout
A group of state lawmakers and energy experts has approved a new state energy report outlining how Indiana should proceed at a time when electric utilities are seeing a big shift from coal to renewable energy sources.
Trump pushes new environmental rollbacks on way out the door
Down to its final weeks, the Trump administration is working to push through dozens of environmental rollbacks that could weaken century-old protections for migratory birds, expand Arctic drilling and hamstring future regulation of public health threats.
Groups say energy recommendations could slow Indiana’s transition away from coal
Seven months after Indiana lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting utilities from shutting down coal-fired power plants before May 2021, a state energy task force is considering a sweeping array of measures that seem to favor existing large-scale utilities, many of which still burn coal, over providers of renewable energy.
Court orders FDA assessment of Indiana-raised modified salmon
A federal court judge ordered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday to conduct an environmental assessment of genetically modified salmon that he said was required for the agency’s approval of the fish.
COA upholds approval of IPL’s $1.2 billion plan for system investments
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday affirmed an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission order approving Indianapolis Power & Light Company’s proposed plan involving $1.2 billion in system investments over a seven-year period. Approval of the plan was challenged by the city of Indianapolis, consumer groups and others.