Indiana agency OKs $2M to secure, demolish East Chicago site
An Indiana agency has approved $2 million to secure and demolish a public housing complex in East Chicago that residents must vacate because of soil contaminated with lead and arsenic.
Environmental Issues
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East Chicago officials say $56M is needed for lead crisis
East Chicago officials estimate the city needs at least $56 million to deal with its ongoing lead contamination crisis.
COA affirms setback distance for Eastern Indiana wind farm
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a Rush County zoning ruling requiring industrial wind turbines to be at least 2,300 feet from some people’s property lines. The judges emphasized that the zoning ordinances outline minimum distances and the zoning board is able to increase those distances when warranted.
COA allows Vectren to move forward with coal-powered plants project
An Indiana energy company can proceed with its plans to bring two of its coal-powered plants into compliance with federal emissions standards after the Indiana Court of Appeals rejected an appeal to force the company to build natural gas plants instead.
Trump named as defendant in youths’ climate lawsuit
A group of youths who say the government has endangered their future with climate change has added President Donald Trump to the list of people and corporations they blame.
Governor issues disaster order over East Chicago lead
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday issued a state disaster declaration over East Chicago's lead contamination problem, nearly two months after his predecessor rejected the city's request.
Congressmen write Trump letter about East Chicago lead
Members of Indiana’s congressional delegation have written a letter to President Donald Trump asking for details related to cleaning up lead contamination in East Chicago.
Lawmakers consider funding for lead crisis in East Chicago
State lawmakers are considering two plans allocating a total of $15 million in state funds for the lead crisis in East Chicago.
Judge denies injunction to block VA’s Crown Hill project
A federal judge on Friday shot down a legal effort by environmentalists to block development of a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cemetery on 15 wooded acres north of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
VW pleads guilty in emissions scandal; 6 employees indicted
Volkswagen is pleading guilty to three criminal charges and will pay $4.3 billion to the U.S. government for cheating on emissions tests and destroying evidence in an elaborate cover-up.
Environmental crime most common among organizational offenders
Organizations charged with federal criminal offenses most commonly were accused of environmental offenses, the United States Courts announced Thursday, citing a report published by the United States Sentencing Commission.
Obama sets rule to protect streams near coal mines
The Obama administration on Monday set final rules designed to reduce the environmental impact of coal mining on the nation's streams, a long-anticipated move that met quick resistance from Republicans who vowed to overturn it under President-elect Donald Trump.
Agreement with Gary to resolve Clean Water Act violations
Federal and Indiana authorities have reached an agreement with the city of Gary to resolve longstanding violations of the Clean Water Act, including the release of raw sewage.
Washington state suing agrochemical giant over PCB pollution
Washington has become the first U.S. state to sue the agrochemical giant Monsanto over pervasive pollution from PCBs, the toxic industrial chemicals that have accumulated in plants, fish and people around the globe for decades. The company said the case "lacks merit."
Forest Alliance sues to stop Crown Hill cemetery project
The controversy over the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ plans to develop a military cemetery with a series of above-ground columbariums on 15 wooded acres north of Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis has ended up in court.
Dodge truck owners accuse Chrysler, Cummins of VW-like cheating
Allegations of cheating pollution standards have reached U.S. automakers as Chrysler was sued by consumers who said engines in some Dodge trucks were rigged to hide that emissions were as much as 14 times higher than permitted by law.
Once in office, Trump can quickly alter Supreme Court agenda
Even before Donald Trump chooses a Supreme Court nominee, the new president can take steps to make several contentious court cases go away.
After Obama, Trump may face children suing over global warming
A lawsuit brought by children against the Obama administration may force President-elect Donald Trump to decide how far he’ll go to downplay the threat of global warming.
Judge lets Flint residents’ lawsuit against state move ahead
A Michigan judge has ruled in favor of Flint residents who sued the state over the city's man-made lead-tainted water crisis, rejecting a motion to dismiss the lawsuit entirely.
‘Played the fool’: Car owners slam Volkswagen emissions deal
Several angry Volkswagen owners told a federal judge on Tuesday that a $10 billion settlement does not adequately compensate them for the automaker's emissions cheating scandal.