Saturday, March 08, 2008
Ind. Decisions - "Decision to void ordinance could stop ethanol plant"
Anita Munson of the South Bend Tribune reports today in a story that begins:Judge Michael Cook's ruling that Argos' rezoning ordinance is unconstitutional and void has many residents wondering if the decision is the death knell for a proposed ethanol...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, March 08, 2008
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Distilling ethanol? Why not vodka?
"Farmyard Stills Quench a Thirst for Local Spirits" is the headline to a front-page story in today's NY Times reported by Susan Saulny. Some quotes from the lengthy story:ATCHISON, Kan. — The main still of the High Plains liquor company...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 25, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Environment - "Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Gives Duke Energy Indiana Approval to Build Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Plant"
The IURC has today issued a 63-page order approving Duke Energy's application to build a coal gasification plant in Edwardsport. Here is the IURC release:Today in Cause No. 43114, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (Commission, IURC) issued a Certificate of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Environment. - BioTown, USA. Remember little Reynolds, Indiana? Population 500
The most recent ILB entry on BioTown USA is dated Oct. 6, 2005 -- two years ago. It quoted from a story headed "Questions linger over BioTown project". Today the WSJ bring us up to date in a story on...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, November 01, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Environment - Canadian company mining Indiana aquifer
The Diane Rehm Show on NPR today focuses on:U.S. Weather Patterns and Drought: Severe drought conditions in several southern states and in large areas of the west are prompting new concerns about possible water shortages. An update U.S. weather patterns...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, October 22, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Environment - More on: Details on the BP permit; more stories today
Earlier today I promised more reports of press coverage of the BP water discharge permit, but as I'm just getting back to it later in the day, a new entry is probably the best idea. "Daniels won't budge on BP"...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Environment - Much more on: Protests grow over BP permit to increase dumping in Lake Michigan
Updating this ILB entry from July 20th, reports of outrage about the BP permit continue. Sylvia A. Smith, Washington editor for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, writes: WASHINGTON – Indiana came in for a verbal thrashing Tuesday as members of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Environment - Protests grow over BP permit to increase dumping in Lake Michigan
The initial story was published Saturday July 14th by the Chicago Tribune - see ILB entry here. It was headlined "Indiana gives BP break on dumping in lake." Subsequent ILB entries can be found on July 16th and July 17th...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Environment - Stories today on NW Indiana's BP NPDES permit and "new source" air permit requirement for any Mitchell powerplant reopening
The NWI Times has two environmental permitting stories today. The first is a continuation of the stories on the recently finalized BP NPDES permit re discharges into Lake Michigan. Patrick Guinane writes that:A prominent Northwest Indiana Democrat plans to grill...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Ind. Gov't. - Indiana’s voluntary environmental cleanup program a failure?
Dan Stockman of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a lengthy report today on the failings of Indiana's voluntary cleanup program. Some quotes: Indiana’s voluntary environmental cleanup program, intended to handle polluted sites quickly and efficiently without courts and lawsuits,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 08, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Environment - "Farmland values surge as demand fueled by ethanol propels corn prices upward"
Indianapolis Star business writer Jeff Swiatek has a story today headlined "Seeing more green Farmland values surge as demand fueled by ethanol propels corn prices upward." The story tells how, because of the rising price of corn, the price of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, March 25, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Economic Development - More on the Minnesota iron nuggets plant
This ILB entry from May 2004 began:The "iron nuggets plant" issue - whether a plant to process iron ore into nuggets, which can be used in mini-mills, will be built in Indiana (where the mill is and where the environmental...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Friday, November 17, 2006
Environment - "Factory farms are harmful to the public and the environment, researchers report"
A story today by Marla Cone of the LA Times reports:Growing so large that they are now called factory farms, livestock feedlots are poorly regulated, pose health and ecological dangers and are responsible for deteriorating quality of life in America's...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 17, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Environment - Coal is big
"Committed to Coal, and in a Hurry, Too" was the headline to this story in the Nov. 7th NY Times. Here is how it begins:FAIRFIELD, Tex. — In a huge pit, gigantic bulldozers and earth-moving machines are removing two layers...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 12, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Environment - "As Investors Covet Ethanol, Farmers Resist "
A fascinating front-page story in the NY Times today, headed "As Investors Covet Ethanol, Farmers Resist." Here is how it begins:MALTA BEND, Mo. — Farmers do not see fast money very often. But with big profits gushing forth from ethanol...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, November 02, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Ind. Gov't. - South Shore ridership jumps, again
The Gary Post-Tribune reports:CHESTERTON — Dan Ryan Expressway and Chicago Skyway reconstruction, coupled with gasoline prices that have topped the $3 a gallon mark, have caused another explosion in commuter ridership on the South Shore. John Parsons, spokesman for the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, July 29, 2006
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Environment - "Corn-as-fuel may help farmers, cost consumers"
The Indianapolis Star business writer, John Ketzenberger, provides an economics lesson today in his column, headed "Corn-as-fuel may help farmers, cost consumers." He writes:Four ethanol plants are being built in the state; another nine are planned to produce the alternative...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Ind. Econ. Dev. - The South Shore Line, something that works, and could work even better
Thanks to Indiana Insight for spotting this column that appeared yesterday in the Chicago Tribune. Jon Hilkevitch's column is about how the South Shore needs more cars. There have been a number of stories on this over the past few...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Environment - Largest ethanol refinery east of the Mississippi?
"Largest ethanol refinery east of the Mississippi? Dunkirk might land an ethanol plant equal to one being called the biggest in the eastern U.S." is the headline to this Seth Slabaugh story in the Muncie Star-Press today. Some quotes:DUNKIRK --...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Environment - Ten-year moratorium on new hog farms in North Carolina will end soon, with no viable solution in sight
The Raleigh North Carolina News & Observer reports today, in a story headlined "Farmers seek state help on hog waste":North Carolina researchers have spent six years and $17.3 million looking for a better way to manage hog waste than the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, March 09, 2006
Environment/Econ. Dev. - State's Pilot Shovel-Ready Program now in place
According to the new program's page on the Indiana Finance Authority website:The Pilot Shovel Ready Program is a new state program created to help communities certify sites as "ready for development." Shovel Ready is designed to ultimately help companies locate...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, March 09, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Ind. Law - Richmond Pal-Item Editorial: Garton's decision hurts state wineries
The Richmond Pal-Item today has an excellent editorial on the fate of the wine shipping bill: Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Robert Garton exercises a selective respect for the independence of the judicial branch of government. The Republican Senate leader...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Ind. Law - Several interesting zoning stories this week
"Property rights versus farmland protection at issue in Porter County rezoning" was the heading to an ILB entry dated Dec. 16, 2004, quoting from a very good report in the Chesterton Tribune, written by Vicki Urbanik. That story, which is...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, February 25, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Anderson, front-page, above-the-fold in the NY Times today
But one might wish it were better news. The headline: "Company Town Relies on G.M. Long After Plants Have Closed." The lengthy report begins:ANDERSON, Ind., Feb. 16 — General Motors once had so many plants here that it had to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, February 20, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Different views today on Gary airport funding
The Gary Post Tribune reports today, in a lengthy story by Lisa Shidler:Gary/Chicago International Airport backers say nothing can stop the airport from being a success now that it is snaring $57.84 million from the Federal Aviation Administration. The go-ahead...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Proposed Duke/Cinergy merger sees some opposition
Lisa Cornwell of the AP has this story today in the Cincinnat Enquirer. Some quotes:A proposed $9 billion takeover of Cincinnati-based Cinergy Corp. by a North Carolina power company is being criticized by some consumer advocates, disrupting what had been...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 16, 2006
Friday, December 23, 2005
Ind. Law - More on: Laws deterred retaining Colgate plant, says Gov. Daniels
This Dec. 17th ILB entry quotes from a Louisville Courier Journal story by Lesley Stedman Weidenbener and Alex Davis of that date:INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mitch Daniels said yesterday that the state failed in its bid to keep the Colgate-Palmolive Co....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, December 23, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Ind. Law - Laws deterred retaining Colgate plant, says Gov. Daniels
In a story today in the Louisville Courier Journal, Lesley Stedman Weidenbener and Alex Davis report:INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mitch Daniels said yesterday that the state failed in its bid to keep the Colgate-Palmolive Co. toothpaste factory in Indiana because it...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, December 17, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Environment - Biodiesel plant, ducks unlimited
Biodiesel. The Gary Post-Tribune reports today:HAMMOND | The city is leading the fight against air pollution and dependency on foreign oil with approval of the state's first biodiesel manufacturing plant. Wolf Lake Terminals Inc. will begin producing clean-burning, renewable soybean-based...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, December 09, 2005
Environment - More on: Ethanol plant earns Wells limited backing
Updating this ILB entry from Wednesday titled "Ethanol plant earns Wells limited backing," the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has an editorial today headlined "Good stewardship in Wells." Some quotes:Wells County Council members struck the appropriate balance between being good stewards...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, December 09, 2005
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Environment - State seeks EPA funds for clean land plan; Indiana Toll Road RFPs
Brownfields. "State seeks EPA funds for clean land plan" is the headline to a story today in the Gary Post-Tribune. Some quotes:Officials at a new state program for cleaning and reusing former industrial land are applying for a $2 million...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Environment - Ethanol plant earns Wells limited backing
"Ethanol plant earns Wells OK with tax backing" is the somewhat misleading headline to this story today by Rebecca Green in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Check this earlier ILB entry for background and links. Today's story reports:BLUFFTON – The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Environment - More on: Concern about proposed Jasper County CAFO bordering the Jasper/Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
The AP has picked up yesterday's Gary Post-Tribune story (see ILB entry here), and the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has headlined it "Hogs vs. sandhill cranes: Residents near wildlife refuge fight 2,500-sow farm permit." Because the Tribune doesn't archive its...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - "Indiana looks to grow life sciences "
"Indiana looks to grow life sciences: Biotechnology may help boost economy" is the headline to an AP story today by Rick Callahan, published in the Louisville Courier Journal. It begins:BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A huge factory on the south side of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, November 28, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Ind. Gov't. - A new look at Wayne County agricultural zoning
The Richmond Palladium-Item has a column today by Steve Higinbotham of Hagerstown, Wayne County Director of Development. He writes:Agriculture in Wayne County has changed significantly in the past several decades. The agriculture, farms and farming -- all important economic, social...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 27, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Ind. Gov't. - "Blackford officials, state end farm feud"
"Blackford officials, state end farm feud" is the headline to a story today in the Muncie Star-Press about how:Andrew Miller, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, attended the Blackford County commissioners meeting on Monday in an attempt to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Vacant industrial buildings and vacant "big box" commercial buildings
Vacant industrial buildings. "Are buildings liabilities or assets for development?" is the headline to this great report today by Michael McBride in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes posing the issue:MUNCIE -- Some local people were surprised last winter when General...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 20, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - French Lick hotel to close for a year
"French Lick hotel to close for a year: Move will speed casino project" is the headline to this story today by Grace Schneider in the Louisville Courier Journal....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, November 17, 2005
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Environment - Wells sidesteps ethanol details: Investors ask county for $50 million bond [Updated]
"Wells County Council members are still waiting for key information before they decide whether to guarantee more than $50 million in bonds for a proposed ethanol plant." That was a quote from a Fort Wayne Journal Gazette story cited in 11/11/05...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Enviroment - Jasper County hog farm protested, approved
The Munster (NW Indiana) Times reports today:WHEATFIELD | Jasper County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception permit Monday by a vote of 4-1, allowing a proposed hog farm to set up shop. The residents say this isn't the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Ind. Law - Lawsuit targets Hartford ethanol plant
"Lawsuit targets Hartford ethanol plant" is the headline to a story today in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes:HARTFORD CITY -- Dan and Susan Baughey, 1704 W. Water St., filed a lawsuit Monday that could halt the proposed $150 million Hartford...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Environment - Ethanol; Pines transfer station
Updating two of the items from this entry yesterday: Ethanol. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has two editorials today on (to quote from their story yesterday) "Wells County Council members are still waiting for key information before they decide whether...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, November 12, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
Environment - Ethanol; Polluted land returned; Contamination exceeds expectations; Pines transfer station; Great Lakes carp; Porter County wetlands
Ethanol. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today:Wells County Council members are still waiting for key information before they decide whether to guarantee more than $50 million in bonds for a proposed ethanol plant, but Council President Pete Cole has expressed...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 11, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Mountains of Corn and a Sea of Farm Subsidies
"Mountains of Corn and a Sea of Farm Subsidies" is the headline to a very interesting (and long) front-page story in the NY Times today. Those who recall the "mountain of corn" photo from the NWI Times last week can...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Gary's Marquette Park gets $20 million
"Visclosky wins $20 million for Marquette Plan" was the headline to a story yesterday in the Chesterton Tribune that reported:U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., today announced that he has secured $20 million for the Marquette Plan, his proposal to reclaim...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Environment- PCBs; ethanol study; ethanol plant
PCBs. The Indianapolis Star reports today:Bloomington -- Workers cleaning up PCB-tainted sediment at the former site of a Westinghouse plant have found a previously unknown site contaminated with the harmful chemical -- a discovery that worries nearby residents. The site...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, November 06, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Ag park; lots of corn
"Ag park approved at emotional meeting" is the headline to this story today in the Muncie Star-Press. "Corn, corn everywhere and not a spot to put it: Monster harvests, New Orleans problems lead to storage problem," is the headline to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 04, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Environment- Fort Wayne paper has major editorial on big livestock operations
The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a major, signed editorial today by Stacey Stempf titled "Mega-farms smell of money: Big livestock operations help economy, can hurt environment." A quote from about mid-point in the editorial:Daniels is not the first to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 30, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Environment - Stories today on Delaware county ag park, Corydon brownsfield grant
"More regulation of ag park proposed" is the headline to this Seth Slabaugh story today in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes:Delaware County Commissioner John Brooke is proposing to amend the newly created agricultural bio-enterprise (AB) zoning ordinance. Proponents convinced county...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, October 27, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - After losing Mittal to Chicago, Indiana goes after Bass Pro Shops
"Daniels trying to lure mega sports store" is the headline to this story today by Jon Seidel in the Gary Post Tribune. Some quotes:The governor may attempt to lure Bass Pro Shops into Northwest Indiana at a meeting today with...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Environment - Idaho following the lead of Indiana?
Tondu's proposed coal gasification plant has made the news in Idaho. (See a number of ILB stories by typing "Tondu" in the search box.) Today the Idaho State Journal has a story headlined "Cleaner plant still rejected by community in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 16, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Environment - Focus on confined feeding continues
I looked back to the first month of this incarnation of The Indiana Law Blog today, and found that the fourth item I posted, on March 17, 2003, concerned confined feeding operations. The first item was "Welcome," the third was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - More on proposed Delaware County industrial-agriculture park
Seth Slabaugh has a story today in the Muncie StarPress about the proposed Delaware County industrial-agriculture park. Some quotes:MUNCIE - Delaware County needs an industrial-agriculture park to gain a competitive advantage over other communities and to partner with Gov. Mitch...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Monday, October 10, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Financing ethanol plants
The Decatur Daily Democrat has a story today titled "Ethanol plant builder seeks Wells aid." Some quotes:BLUFFTON, Ind. (AP) — The company planning to build a $135 million ethanol plant in Wells County is seeking $50 million in guaranteed bonds...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, October 10, 2005
Environment - Tippecanoe County may restrict crematoriums
What with all the concern about living next to a transfer station or a hog farm, I really hadn't focused on living next to a crematorium. But Dan Shaw writes today in the Lafayette Courier&Journal that:Those who don't like the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, October 10, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - More on "Mittal to put US headquarters in Chicago Loop"
This ILB entry from Wed., Oct. 5, quoted from a Chesterton Tribune story from the previous day about the Mittal decision to locate its U.S. headquarters in Chicago. Apparently this was a Chesterton Tribune scoop. Today's (Oct. 8th) Gary Post-Tribune...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, October 08, 2005
Friday, October 07, 2005
Environment - Agriculture stories today
"Changes planned for manure regulations: Commissioners want to change ordinance on confined feeding operations" is the headline to this story today in the Richmond Palladium-Item. Rebecca Helmes writes:The Wayne County Board of Commissioners would like to make changes to a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, October 07, 2005
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Tech. & Gov't. - Two stories today about technology impacting small towns
BioTown, USA. Remember little Reynolds, Indiana? Population 500. (See this most recent ILB entry, from 9/14/05 and this one from 9/13/05.) "Questions linger over BioTown project" is the headline to this story today, by Abby Lietz, in the Monticello Herald...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, October 06, 2005
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - "Mittal to put US headquarters in Chicago Loop"
"Mittal to put US headquarters in Chicago Loop" is the headline to a Chesterton Tribune story by Kevin Nevers, dated 10/4/05. Some quotes:Pot-sweeteners and kind words weren’t enough to persuade Mittal Steel Company (MSC) to locate the headquarters of its...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Environment - Air Pollution: Hazardous haze worse this year
The Sunday Indianapolis Star's front-page, above-the-fold story today, by Tammy Webber, is headlined "Hazardous haze worse this year: Spike in summer pollution alerts spurs calls for faster action to cut smog." Some quotes from the beginnng of this long piece:Air...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, October 02, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Env./Econ. Dev. - Tondu plant rejection lamented
From an editorial yesterday in the South Bend Tribune:We are disappointed by the St. Joseph County Council's denial of a special use permit for Tondu Corp. to build a coal gasification power plant near New Carlisle. But we aren't surprised....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Trailers flow from Indiana to Gulf Coast
"Trailers flow from Indiana to Gulf Coast: U.S. shelling out millions to shelter 600,000 victims" is the headline to an interesting story today in the Chicago Tribune. It begins:ELKHART, Ind. -- Four hundred squat white trailers sat on train cars...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
Environment - More recent stories
Septic systems. The Monticello Herald Journal reported here last week that the "New septic ordinance passes first step." Some quotes:White County is moving closer to adopting its own septic onsite sewage disposal ordinance that will, among other needs, provide standards...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, September 26, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Env. & Econ. Dev. - Elkhart rezoning receives approval
The 9/3/05 ILB had an entry (second item) on a proposed rezoing of Elkhart County. On 9/16/05 the ILB had an entry on a proposed comprehensive land use plan for Elkhart County. Both quoted from the Elkhart Truth. Today Thomas...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Environment - More on Tondu vote put on hold
Updating this ILB entry from Sept. 14th, the South Bend Tribune reports today that: "The next pivotal date in the saga of a Texas-based company's plan to build a coal gasification plant in St. Joseph County will come Thursday." More:That...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 18, 2005
Friday, September 16, 2005
Environment - Ethanol stories today
Ethanol. Seth Slabaugh has two stories today in the Muncie StarPress. "Ethanol plants called corn 'vacuum cleaners'" is the headline to this one, which reports:TIPTON - Four ethanol plants have been announced in Blackford, Grant, Wells and Randolph counties, but...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, September 16, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Environment - Tondu vote put on hold
Updating yesterday's South Bend Tribune story (see ILB entry here), the paper today reports:The council voted 6 to 3 in favor of postponing a decision on whether to allow a special permit for the plant. They agreed about midnight to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - More on turning Reynolds into "Biotown, USA"
Updating the ILB entry from yesterday, see this story today in the Lafayette Journal & Courier. Some quotes:REYNOLDS -- Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels came to this White County community Tuesday to celebrate the beginning of the Reynolds "BioTown, USA" project....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Environment - South Bend County Council vote tonight on Tondu coal gasification plant
The South Bend Tribune reports today:SOUTH BEND -- County Council members slated to decide tonight whether a coal gasification power plant can be built near New Carlisle say they want more answers. And council member Michael Kruk, D-District E, may...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - Daniels hopes to transform town of Reynolds so it's powered only by renewable power sources
"Hoosier burg to be pilot for energy project: Daniels hopes to transform town of Reynolds so it's powered only by renewable power sources" is the headline to this story by J.K. Wall in the Business Section of today's Indianapolis Star....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Environment - What is it like to live near an ethanol plant?
The Muncie StarPress reports today:Because of the possibility of an ethanol plant being sited in Delaware, Randolph or another nearby county, The Star Press sent reporter Seth Slabaugh and photographer Kyle Evens to Illinois on Aug. 29 to find out...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, September 11, 2005
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Env. & Econ. Dev. - Several stories today on environment, land use, and economic development issues
"Residents, officials concerned abandoned landfill poses danger to well water" is the headline to this story today in the Munster (NW Indiana) Times, about the abandoned Feddeler landfill west of Lowell. The story reports that at a Q&A session Friday:Bruce...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, September 03, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Environment - More on the ag-park concept
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has issued a press release today on ag-parks. Some quotes:“An agricultural park is a place where Indiana’s corn, soybeans and livestock can be turned into ethanol, soybiodiesel, energy, food and fertilizer,” said Indiana...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 01, 2005
Environment - "Ag-park decision might take time"
"Ag-park decision might take time" is the headline to this Seth Slabaugh story in today's Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes:MUNCIE - The chairman of the city-county planning commission believes the group won't be ready at its meeting tonight to act on...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 01, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Environment - Stories today on ethanol agri-park
Two more stories in the Muncie Star-Press today about building an agricultural park near Muncie to house an ethanol refinery/brewery, both by Seth Slabaugh. "Proposed ethanol plant has 'excellent chance'" is the headline to this story. The very long article...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, August 28, 2005
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Ind. Gov't. - Bill creating agriculture department signed
An AP story by Rick Callahan published today in the Louisville Courier Journal reports:Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law yesterday a bill creating Indiana's first cabinet-level agriculture department, an agency he predicted would both spur the state's economic revival and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Econ. Dev. - More on steel industry rebirth in NW Indiana
Following upon the ILB entry last Friday on the steel industry rebirth in NW Indiana is this story today in the Gary Post-Tribune that begins:Mittal Steel USA plans to make East Chicago its U.S. headquarters for research and development, the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, April 22, 2005
Friday, April 15, 2005
Econ. Dev. - [Updated] Steel industry rebirth, and the Mittals up close
The Chesterton Tribune had a very interesting story last Friday by Kevin Nevers, complete with great photos, titled "110 inch plate mill back in action at Burns Harbor." Some quotes:After nearly five years in moth balls, the 110-inch plate mill...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, April 15, 2005
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Environment - 4,500-cow dairy farm in Ohio receives state permits
"4,500-cow dairy farm receives state permits" is the headline to a story today in the Toledo Blade. The story, by Jane Schmucker, is valuable in that it gives a good look at some of the economic issues involved. Some quotes:A...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Environment - Turning hog waste into black gold in Illinois
"Pig farm strives to breathe easy with suburbs: Hog waste turned into no-odor compost" is the headline to this story today in the Chicago Tribune. Some quotes from the lengthy article:When pork producer Bill Dumoulin sits on his combine and...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Environment - Two economic development bills awaiting Governor's signature
Among the bills awaiting Governor Daniels' signature are two relating to the environment/economic development: House Bill 1653 creates a "shovel ready site development center" within the Indiana Development Finance Authority (IC 4-4-11), which is a quasi-public entity. Senate Bill 267...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Environment - St. Joseph and Elkhart counties taken off EPA list
An AP story posted this afternoon on the Indianapolis Star website reports:WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that 21 counties in nine states are being removed from the government's watch list of areas in the country with the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Ind. Econ. Dev. - State takes steps to help farmers
"State takes steps to help farmers" is the headline to an opinion piece today in the Bedford Times-Mail. Some quotes:State government took two steps this week that could make life better for Hoosier farmers. On Thursday, the Indiana Senate passed...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, April 03, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Environment - In Ohio, One Farmer's Prosperity Is Another's Poison
The NY Times had a long piece Saturday about the Dutch mega-daries moving into the midwestern states of Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Some quotes:SOUTH SOLON, Ohio - To Martin De Haan, central Ohio is the land of milk and honey,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, March 27, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Biotech - Purdue researchers find plants can fix bad genes
"Startling Scientists, Plant Fixes Its Flawed Gene" is the headline to this story today in the NY Times. The lead:In a startling discovery, geneticists at Purdue University say they have found plants that possess a corrected version of a defective...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Monday, March 07, 2005
Environment - Indiana sues EPA over pollution designations
"State sues EPA over pollution designations: Indiana Attorney General wants 16 counties dropped from list of those violating limits on microscopic air pollutants" is the headline to a story by Tammy Webber posted this afternoon on the Indianapolis Star website....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, March 07, 2005
Friday, February 25, 2005
Ind. Law - Indiana Bill to Limit Local Govt. Wireless Died in Committee
"Indiana Bill to Limit Local Govt. Wireless Died in Committee" is the heading to a story today in Government Technology. Some quotes:A bill that would impede the development of Indiana's technical infrastructure by effectively prohibiting municipalities from providing broadband Internet...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, February 25, 2005
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Econ. Dev. - Indiana kills anti-muni broadband bill
"Indiana kills anti-muni broadband bill" is the headline in this ZDNet story this afternoon. Some quotes:An Indiana state bill that would have made it hard for cities to build their own broadband networks was killed on Wednesday after the proposal...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, February 17, 2005
Ind. Law - Telecommunications deregulation advances; proposed limits on municipally-offered internet services dead, for now
According to this story today by Eric Martin in the business section of the Indianapolis Star:The House Technology, Research and Development Committee on Wednesday moved Indiana one step closer to deregulating the telecommunications industry by 2010. By a vote of...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, February 17, 2005
Monday, February 14, 2005
Econ. Dev. - Economic development financing via the Indiana Port Authority
A story in yesterday's Cleveland Plain Dealer, headlined "Just add water: The Port Authority found a new recipe for development. But critics fear it's left the port itself high and dry", is about Ohio's Port Authority. But Indiana is mentioned:The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, February 14, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Biotech - More on debate over human cloning
On Jan. 14th and Jan. 17th the ILB had entries on the "Debate brewing in Indiana over human cloning." There have been several interesting national stories on this topic within the past week. "Massachusetts Governor Opposes Stem Cell Work" was...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, February 13, 2005
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Env't. - A slew of Indiana enviroment stories this weekend
The unattributed AP story I posted yesterday from the Wabash Plain Dealer ("State's new environmental chief foresees big changes"- scroll down two entries) appears today in at least two major Indiana paper, under the byline of the AP's Rick Callahan....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, February 06, 2005
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Law/Econ. Dev. - Biotech Industry Sees Potential In Ethics Rules
"Biotech Industry Sees Potential In Ethics Rules" is the headline to a story today in the business section of the Washington Post. Some quotes:Venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and state officials say strict new ethics rules governing National Institutes of Health researchers...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, February 03, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
Ind. Law - Bill may derail city's plan for broadband system
"Bill may derail city's plan for broadband system: Proposal shows telecommunications industry opposition," is the headline to this story today by Martin DeAgostino in the South Bend Tribune. Some quotes:A House bill backed by SBC and other telecommunications interests could...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 24, 2005
Monday, January 17, 2005
Law/Econ. Dev. - More on "debate brewing in Indiana over human cloning"
Last Friday (you will find it if you scroll down) the ILB quoted from a front-page story in the Indianapolis Star about Pat Miller's (that is state senator Pat Miller, not Gov. Daniel's new commerce secretary Pat Miller) bill...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, January 17, 2005
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Economic development - New Castle casket store marks a change in funeral industry
"New Castle casket store marks a change in funeral industry" is the heading to an interesting story today in the Muncie Star-Press. Some quotes:Owner Tony Beck knows that his Indiana Casket and Monument Sales store isn't a typical downtown business,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Economic Development - Chicago Steelmaking: Dead but Not Forgotten; Plus More
"Chicago Steelmaking: Dead but Not Forgotten - Activists Want to Turn Old Plant Into a Museum" is the headline to an interesting story found today, not in a Chicago paper, but in the Washington Post. Some quotes:CHICAGO -- The stretch...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, December 27, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
Economic development - Different models for city-wide internet service
A headline yesterday in the NY Times read: "Pennsylvania Limits Cities in Offering Net Access." Some quotes from the beginning of the Times story:In a victory for Verizon Communications, a measure in a new Pennsylvania law will make it harder...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, December 03, 2004
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Economic development - NWI seeks steel giant�s headquarters
According to a story in the Gary Post-Tribune today: State political leaders are lobbying International Steel Group CEO Rodney Mott to consider making the region the U.S. headquarters for the new Mittal Steel Co. They believe since Northwest Indiana boasts...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Friday, November 26, 2004
Indiana economic development - Steel, coal and power plants, and auto parts
Steel mills. "Steel still reinventing itself after 150 years: Industry changes result in better products, profits, more secure jobs" is the headline to this story today in the Munster Times. Some quotes:Steel products are continuing to evolve from rusty to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, November 26, 2004
Monday, October 11, 2004
Economic Development - 25-year shifting of risks from business to the individual
"If America Is Richer, Why Are Its Families So Much Less Secure? For 25 years, government and business have forced workers to take on mounting risk. A Times analysis shows ever-larger swings in household incomes." That was the headline...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, October 11, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Environment - Frustrated by IDEM, Berne finds assistance elsewhere
"Frustrated by IDEM, Berne finds assistance elsewhere" is the headline to this story today in the Decatur Daily Democrat that reports:Frustrated in their attempts to convince Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) that numerous projects under way in Berne to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, September 16, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Indiana economic development
Inside Indiana Business has a story today titled "Steering Committee Named to Lead New State Economic Development Plan." The lead:INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, August 24, 2004 Indiana Lieutenant Governor Kathy Davis, Indiana Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kevin Brinegar and Thomas...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Economic development - Trump's French Lick casino
The Louisville Courier-Jounral has a good analysis piece this morning on the French Lick casino, titled "Winner for French Lick? Indiana casino plan thrills residents - Not all analysts think it can succeed." It includes photos of the two hotels,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, August 05, 2004
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Economic Development - Stories Today
Power Plants. The Munster Times has a lengthy and important story today about the possibility of a permanent shutdown of the NIPSCO Mitchell Generating Plant on Lake Michigan. Some quotes:One side envisions a glittering convention center, high-rise hotels and "Disney-on-the-Lake"...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 25, 2004
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Economic Development - Most State Governments Shipping Jobs Overseas
"Most State Governments Shipping Jobs Overseas: Union study finds that contracting tax-funded work to India and other low-wage nations is proliferating despite legislatures' efforts" is the headline to this story today in the LA Times. The story begins:WASHINGTON More...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, July 15, 2004
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Economic Development - China
Essential reading on economic development and globalization today: the NY Times Magazine cover story, titled "The Chinese Century." About one-third through is a section titled "We Have Created a Monster." The section begins:In the political debate over trade and jobs,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 04, 2004
Economic Development - Chicago Coke Plant May Come Back to Life
"Warming trend at coke plant: Growing steel demand spurs plans to reopen; 200 jobs possible," is the headline to this story today in the Chicago Tribune. The story is about "the former LTV coke plant [that] broods silently on the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, July 04, 2004
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Economic Development - "The Region" to be renamed the "South Shore"?
The Gary Post-Tribune has an editorial today reporting that "There is a move afoot to change Northwest Indianas image by changing the regions name" because "'South Shore' is an identifiable image that plays on Lake Michigan and the closeness to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, June 20, 2004
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Environment; Economic Development - Coal Market Up
A lengthly story in the June 16th NY Times is headlined "Coal Market Zooms In on Mines in Colorado," reports on the coal mining boom in Colorado and the nationwide picture. Some quotes:Colorado, once a backwater of coal production in...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, June 17, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Environment; Economic Development - Several Indiana stories today
"Chamber, Farm Bureau oppose bill capping greenhouses gases" is the headline to a story in the Munster Times, that reports:INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana business and farm lobbyists joined forces Tuesday to oppose a federal bill designed to curb global warming by...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Economic Development; Environment - State Official Promises "One-Stop Permitting" and More
"State measure addresses ozone rules" is the headline of this story today in the Louisville Courier Journal. Some quotes:INDIANAPOLIS - Lt. Gov. Kathy Davis announced three new initiatives Monday meant to ease hassles for businesses when dealing with state government,...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Economic Development - Impact of state and local taxes on business siting
An article today in the NY times reports that:[A] study released this spring by the Economic Policy Institute, a nonprofit research group based in Washington, says that state and local taxes do not matter all that much to corporations. "The...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, May 30, 2004
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Economic Development - Story of private incentives winning out over government programs
The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel ran an interesting guest column Friday, written by an economics professor at Ball State University, Cecil Bohanon. The column describes the true story behind how the Ball family moved to Muncie:Currently, a major topic in every...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, May 29, 2004
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Economic Development - A different take on the CSX buyout story
This Indiana Law Blog entry from May 20 reported on the effort of farmers in LaPorte County to acquire a 56-mile stretch of CSX rail used to transport crops; the line is slated for closure. However, apparently not all farmer...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
Economic development - China moves rapidly forward, voraciously consuming raw materials
This story today in the Washington Post. "Booming China Devouring Raw Materials: Producers and Suppliers Struggle to Feed a Voracious Appetite," illustrates the econimic shifts of the 21st century as well as anything I've read recently. Some quotes from a...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, May 21, 2004
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Economic Development - Iron Nuggets Plant Update
Updating our May 13th entry is this story/press release today from Northern Minnesota's BusinessNorth.com, headlined "Pawlenty signs Mesabi Nugget bill in Silver Bay." The lead:SILVER BAY, Minn. (Office of Gov. Tim Pawlenty) -- Governor Tim Pawlenty came to the shores...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 20, 2004
Economic Development - Two Indiana-related items
This article concerns environment-friendly economic development in NW Indiana. The Gary Post-Tribune reports today: LaPORTE With riverboat gambling funds in hand, LaPorte County is rallying around an effort by farmers to acquire a 56-mile stretch of rail used to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 20, 2004
Monday, May 17, 2004
Indiana Law - Economic Development and the Indiana Governor
Introduction. This entry, an opinion piece, has two parts. Part I looks at the problems with the 2003 Indiana Economic Development Corporation law (IEDC) that I pointed out last fall, and asks -- have they been corrected? Part II explores...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, May 17, 2004
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Economic development - Iron nuggets plant update
The "iron nuggets plant" issue - whether a plant to process iron ore into nuggets, which can be used in mini-mills, will be built in Indiana (where the mill is and where the environmental permit process is said to be...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, May 13, 2004
Monday, April 26, 2004
Economic Development - More on the Iron Nugget Plant
More than two weeks have passed since our last iron nugget entry. Here is a story from the Friday, 4/23/04 Mesabi Daily News, reporting on the chair of Minnesota House tax committee:[Rep.] Abrams distributed an article to floor members that...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, April 26, 2004
Friday, April 16, 2004
Economic Development - WSJ Outsourcing Story Features Indiana/India Contract
A story today on page A4 of the Wall Street Journal (not freely available online) begins with this lead:When India's largest software company won a $15 million contract to upgrade the processing of Indiana's unemployment claims, public outrage prompted the...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Friday, April 16, 2004
Monday, April 12, 2004
Economic Development - State of NY creates entity to lure Indiana business to New York
The GothamGazette.com has a fascinating story today on Public Authorities. According to the article, the State of New York has 640 authorities. More:While they are created by the state government and operate for a public purpose, they are exempt from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, April 12, 2004
Sunday, April 11, 2004
Economic Development - Iron nugget plant update
Two stories this weekend: An AP story, mostly a rehash, contains these quotes, which might lead one to conclude that the threat of an Indiana site is simply being used to "play" the Minnesota decision-makers into shortcutting their own approval...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, April 11, 2004
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Economic Development - More about Cummins' leap from Indiana to India
Yesterday we reported on this story from Sunday's Chicago Tribune about globalization and Columbus, Indiana, headlined: "Global economy strains loyalty in company town: Cummins Inc. has long driven the economy of Columbus, Ind., but it says shifting work abroad, to...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Economic Development - Motley Fool reports on iron nugget technology
In a story datedlined 4/5/04 headlined "Steel Dynamics' Latest Thing," the Motley Fool report begins with this lead:Even as surging steel prices continue to create ripples throughout the U.S. economy, Steel Dynamics (Nasdaq: STLD) is working on a potentially promising...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Economic Development - Latest news on location of iron nugget plant
According to this story today in the Chicago Tribune, "Nugget of hope slipping away: Hard-pressed Silver Bay, Minn., has been home to a pilot project for processing iron ore, but the first large-scale plant appears headed to Indiana." Some quotes:SILVER...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, April 04, 2004
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Environment/Economic Development - More on coal
Our entry titled "Environment/Economic Development - Alternatives to oil or gas-fired power plants," posted here March 30 mentioned a Wall Street Journal front-page story, the gist of which was that coal is making an unexpected comeback. The headline: "After Long...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Saturday, April 03, 2004
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Environment/Economic Development - Alternatives to oil or gas-fired power plants
The Chicago Tribune today has this story titled "Nuclear power's future examined: Energy firms study new plants." The lead:A consortium of energy companies, including Chicago-based Exelon Corp., is laying the groundwork for building the nation's first nuclear power plant since...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Thursday, April 01, 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Indiana Economic Development - Indiana iron nuggets plant may be slipping away
Following up on the most recent (March 24th) Indiana Law Blog entry on the iron nugget plant that may be built in Indiana is this story published last weekend in the Duluth News Tribune, headlined "Nugget plant's site not ironclad:...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Indiana Economic Development - NPR report features Indiana economy
NPR this morning had an interesting report on how states were dealing with budget shortfalls. The State of Indiana was featured. Listen here....Posted by Marcia Oddi on Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Monday, March 29, 2004
Indiana economic development - Outsourcing in historical perspective
Not available online, but well worth a read, is a front-page story in the Wall Street Journal titled "Finding Lessons Of Outsourcing In 4 Historical Tales." Finding many "historical echoes," the WSJ reports that "losing skilled jobs to low-wage foreign...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Monday, March 29, 2004
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Indiana economic development - More on Indiana's advantages in the manufacturing arena
Following up on the Indiana Law Blog entry from Monday, March 22, titled "Environment - Indiana's economic development advantage in the manufacturing area," and the entry from March 24 titled "More on the Iron Nugget Plant," is an article from...Posted by Marcia Oddi on Sunday, March 28, 2004