By Andi Anderson
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is asking residents and stakeholders to help identify environmental rules they believe are overly burdensome.
This request follows a March 2025 executive order by Governor Mike Braun, which directs IDEM to review state environmental regulations.
The goal of the review is to identify rules that may unnecessarily increase the cost of living, create challenges for businesses, or go beyond what federal law requires. The governor’s order is part of a broader effort to reduce regulations that are seen as placing unnecessary burdens on Indiana residents and industries.
However, some environmental groups have raised concerns. Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC), warned that these rules often exist for public health and environmental safety. He emphasized that such regulations are essential to prevent harm caused by pollution and environmental degradation.
Carpenter pointed to past events like the Cuyahoga River fires in the 1960s as an example of what can happen when water quality regulations are lacking. These events helped lead to the establishment of federal environmental standards that continue to protect water, air, and land.
One specific concern is the future of Indiana’s wetland protections, which are not covered by federal regulations. While these state rules are written into Indiana law, environmental advocates fear they could still be weakened or removed if considered burdensome under the review process.
The IDEM review is now underway, and the public is encouraged to submit comments and suggestions. This is an opportunity for all Hoosiers to voice their views on balancing environmental protection with economic and regulatory concerns.
The review’s outcome could shape Indiana’s environmental landscape for years to come, influencing everything from wetland conservation to industry compliance.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Indiana, General