Geologic report

Geologic report

COLUMBUS

A recently released mineral industries report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources shows the development of Ohio’s mineral resources in 2014 produced more than $2.1 billion worth of geologic commodities, including increases in the mined amount of limestone, salt, sand and gravel.

The 2014 Report on Ohio Mineral Industries: An Annual Summary of the State’s Economic Geology contains information regarding the production, value and employment totals of Ohio’s various mineral industries.

Some highlights include mineral industries produced $188 worth of resources per Ohioan; about $1.1 billion worth of coal was produced in 2014 – the seventh year in a row Ohio’s production value topped $1 billion; nonfuel industrial-mineral production values exceeded $1 billion; salt production exceeded 5 million tons in 2014 – an increase of more than 37 percent from 2013 production values.

Coverage option for workers’ comp

COLUMBUS

A new coverage option approved by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation board of directors will simplify workers’ compensation for businesses with employees who work in other states. Workers’ compensation laws vary by state and the new “Other States” coverage will help ensure that Ohioans injured on the job will be covered regardless of where they are injured.

VW scandal widens

WASHINGTON

Volkswagen’s emissions cheating scandal widened Friday as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said that clandestine software allowing six-cylinder Volkswagen diesel engines to cheat on pollution tests is on more models than originally thought.

The EPA and the California Air Resources Board said the German automaker acknowledged the software is on about 85,000 Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles with 3-liter engines going back to the 2009 model year.

Earlier this month the agencies accused VW of installing the so-called “defeat device” software on about 10,000 cars from the 2014 through 2016 model years, in violation of the Clean Air Act.

The latest allegation means that more Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche owners could face recalls of their cars to fix the software, and VW could face steeper fines and more intense scrutiny from U.S. regulators and lawmakers.

Volt gets Green Car award a 2nd time at L.A. Auto Show

LOS ANGELES

The next generation 2016 Chevrolet Volt was awarded Green Car of the Year award from Green Car Journal today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the second time the Volt has won the award.

The Volt, which started to arrive in dealerships this fall, also won the award when it debuted in 2010 as a 2011 model. Green Car Journal praised the Volt’s increased range, all-new propulsion system and bold design.

Wire reports