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.
Energy & Environmental Law
Articles
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.
From class actions to classrooms: Ferraro adding teaching experience to resume as public interest attorney
Environmental law attorney Kim Ferraro might have only been half-joking when she claimed that if she had known at the start of her career what she knows now, she probably would have chosen a different practice area.
District court rules against CAFO, Corps
A ditch system dug nearly 100 years ago to drain Beaver Lake, formerly the largest natural lake in Indiana, is at the center of a legal battle between a 4,350-dairy cow CAFO and the neighboring Newton County residents.
COA finds utility company met TDSIC requirements
An attempt to short circuit the state’s approval of a power company’s plan to upgrade the system and increase rates through the TDIC mechanism was disrupted when the Court of Appeals of Indiana found the plan and the state regulators were grounded in statute.
Indiana refinery fire not expected to hit gas prices much
Skeletal remains found nearly 40 years ago in rural northeast Tennessee have been identified as those of a missing Indiana girl, authorities said Tuesday.
What’s in big Biden bill? Health, climate goals become law
President Joe Biden arrived at the White House promising to “build back” America, and legislation he’s signing Tuesday delivers a slimmer, though not insignificant, version of that once sweeping idea.
Supreme Court won’t take Dakota Access Pipeline case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to consider an appeal of a lawsuit over the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Lawmakers lay groundwork for electric-vehicle infrastructure
Indiana lawmakers are working to set up the first regulatory framework for utilities to build charging stations and other wide-scale infrastructure needed to support Hoosiers’ conversion to electric vehicles. House Bill 1221 outlines parameters for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to use when considering utility company proposals for the construction of charging stations and setting […]
Indy environmental cleanup case partially remanded on liability questions
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated an Indiana Southern District Court ruling in an environmental cleanup dispute in Indianapolis, finding its determinations on apportionment and allocation of liability required remand.
Coal to diesel project fuels evidentiary standard argument
A plan to build the country’s first direct coal-hydrogenation refinery in southern Indiana has spawned a crop of flimsy yard signs proclaiming either support for or opposition to the project and has caused a legal argument to flourish over how much ordinary Hoosiers need to do to get their day in court.
Greener pastures?
Spencer County has been selected to build the first direct coal-hydrogenation refinery in the U.S., and a request has been submitted in Posey County to build a natural gas pipeline under the Ohio River into Evansville. Despite promises of cleaner energy and increased commerce, both projects are being met with opposition from environmental organizations and county residents.
Concerns rise over natural gas turbines, underwater pipeline
CenterPoint Energy, formerly known as Vectren, has submitted a request to build two natural gas turbines in place of its coal-burning generators at the southern Indiana A.B. Brown Power Plant. But residents and environmental groups are opposing the project.
Pashos: Indiana’s 21st Century Energy Task Force continues its work
Indiana’s second 21st Century Energy Task Force began its work last month at the state Capitol. The first task force was created by the General Assembly in 2019 to explore how fuel transitions and emerging technologies may affect the state’s electric system, with particular emphasis on reliability and affordability.
High court expands eligibility for Clean Air Act exemption
The Supreme Court on Friday said an expanded number of small refineries can seek an exemption from certain renewable fuel requirements.
Governor signs controversial wetlands bill into law
Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a controversial wetlands bill into law on Thursday, disappointing numerous environmental, conservation and civic groups that had spoken out against the legislation.
Supreme Court wrestles with New Jersey pipeline case
The Supreme Court on Wednesday wrestled with how to resolve a clash between the state of New Jersey and a pipeline company over land the company needs for a natural gas pipeline.
Indianapolis attorney’s leap to classroom highlights role, value of adjunct law faculty
Environmental attorney Kathryn Watson was already scheduled to be a guest speaker in the clean air law class during Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law’s spring semester when the professor called to ask if she would be willing to shoulder a bit more responsibility.
Holcomb asked to veto wetlands bill by environmental activists, Hoosiers
More than 100 activists and residents from across the state are pleading with Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto a bill that would remove a large chunk of protections from Indiana’s wetlands, which were the target of a bill that opponents say could damage water supply, wildlife and vegetation.
Judge: BP’s Whiting refinery violated soot emission limits
A BP refinery in northwestern Indiana repeatedly violated air pollution standards for soot emissions between 2015 and 2018, a federal judge ruled in a lawsuit brought by environmental advocates.