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.
Energy & Environmental Law
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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.
Indiana lawmakers amend environment bills as deadlines near
Dozens of amendments to bills affecting Indiana environmental policy have sparked debate among lawmakers as the Legislature enters its final stretch of the session. The proposed changes arrive as members of the General Assembly decide whether the state should adopt greener initiatives or scale back current policy protecting water, energy and other resources.
Biden’s ‘jobs Cabinet’ to sell infrastructure as GOP resists
President Joe Biden is setting about convincing America it needs his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, deputizing a five-member “jobs Cabinet,” including former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, to help in the effort. But the enormity of his task is clear after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed to oppose the plan “every step of the way.”
SCOTUS gives Georgia win in water war with Florida
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously for Georgia on Thursday in its long-running dispute with Florida over water. The Sunshine State had alleged overconsumption of water in the Peach State led to collapse of the Florida Gulf Coast oyster industry.
Agency reverses Trump-era oil rights ruling snubbing tribes
The Biden administration has scrapped a Department of Interior opinion under former President Donald Trump that attempted to strip mineral rights under the original Missouri River riverbed from a North Dakota tribal nation.
Trump policy that weakened wild bird protections revoked
The Biden administration on Monday reversed a policy imposed under former President Donald Trump that drastically weakened the government’s power to enforce a century-old law that protects most U.S. bird species.
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.
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.”