Judge strikes another blow against proposed Illiana Tollway
A U.S. District Court judge in Chicago ruled Tuesday that the federal government's approval of the proposed Illiana Tollway linking northern Illinois and Indiana is invalid.
Environmental Issues
Articles
Appeals court tosses suits challenging climate change plan
A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out a pair of high-profile lawsuits challenging the Obama administration's sweeping plan to address climate change, saying it's too early to challenge a proposed rule that isn't yet final.
Humane Society ‘disappointed’ justices won’t hear canned-hunt suit
A deadlocked Indiana Supreme Court declined to hear the state’s appeal of a ruling allowing captive-hunting preserves to operate in the state without regulation. The Humane Society condemned the decision on the controversial hunting practice.
Appeals court sides with EPA on air pollution limits
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the Environmental Protection Agency complied with the law in deciding which areas of the country failed to meet federal limits on smog-forming pollution that can cause asthma and respiratory illness.
Environmental groups sue over Illiana Tollway approval
Illinois environmental groups have filed a lawsuit over the proposed Illiana Tollway. They claim federal approval relied on faulty information and didn't adequately consider environmental impacts.
Court skeptical of challenge to Obama’s climate change plan
Two out of three judges on a federal appeals court panel are expressing doubts about a legal challenge to the Obama administration's far-reaching plan to address climate change.
Humane Society blasts ‘shameful’ canned hunting bill
The Humane Society of the United States is opposing a bill in the Legislature that would allow canned hunting of deer, elk and other mammals inside fenced enclosures, saying it would sanction and expand a “shameful industry.”
Indiana regulators revoke coal-gasification plant’s permit
State regulators have revoked an air permit for a proposed $2.8 billion coal-gasification plant in southwestern Indiana at the request of the plant's developer.
Decades-long fight over landfill quietly concludes
A 37-year fight over a planned solid waste landfill in Anderson ended recently, concluding one of the longest environmental battles in state history. Only a few loads of trash were ever dumped at the Mallard Lake Landfill, but fortunes were spent litigating it.
Lawsuit over Covanta recycling center plan set for hearing
A lawsuit prompted by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s controversial recycling-plant deal is set for hearing March 10.
State appeals ruling blocking fenced hunting preserve rules
The Indiana attorney general's office is appealing a court ruling that state wildlife officials overstepped their authority in trying to shut down Indiana’s high-fenced deer-hunting preserves.
7th Circuit affirms Michigan law applies to Visteon pollution claims
A federal court in Indianapolis properly dismissed a lawsuit Visteon Corp. filed against its insurer seeking to recover damages resulting from toxic pollution at its former Connersville plant that also contaminated neighboring properties.
Prosecutor in dust-up over asbestos threat in office
Like the sands of time, dust regularly falls on offices of the Lake County prosecutor, who hopes it isn't laced with asbestos.
Tennessee company sues Tippecanoe County over proposed quarry
A Tennessee company has sued officials in Tippecanoe County, saying they didn't have the authority to pass an ordinance meant to block a proposed limestone quarry project along the Wabash River.
Owner can seek separate claim for property damage coverage
Despite having agreed to pay $1.7 million, an insurance company may have to provide more money to satisfy a claim from the owner of a contaminated property.
Divided appeals panel reverses judgment against Thomson
A trial court improperly ruled in favor of an insurer on Thomson Inc.’s claims for the cleanup of toxic chemicals at two consumer electronics manufacturing sites.
Appeal aims to block planned 4,000-hog facility
A group of homeowners wants a county judge to block a southern Indiana farmer from being allowed to build a facility that would house 4,000 hogs.
Smith: What to do when the EPA sends an Information Request
Even the best companies occasionally attract the attention of regulators. Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will be focusing on addressing noncompliance issues and vigorous enforcement. EPA commonly investigates compliance and potential enforcement with an “Information Request.”
Court erred in ordering insurer to pay costs of cleanup
A trial court misinterpreted a previous ruling involving an insurance coverage dispute for environmental cleanup costs, and as such, erred when it ordered the insurer to pay costs that were incurred as a result of a settlement, the Indiana Court of Appeals held.
Second suit filed over Wal-Mart PCB contamination
A second lawsuit has been filed as a result of toxic contamination discovered at an Indianapolis Wal-Mart return center.