INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers are advancing a bill to change how the state approves permits for large livestock farms.
House Bill 1355 deals with confined feeding operations, large farms raising pigs, chickens, or cattle. Supporters said farmers often wait months or longer for permits which raise costs and makes it harder to plan construction and expansion.
Rep. Kendall Culp, R-Rensselaer, who authored the bill, said it sets clearer timelines at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The bill also limits how often state engineers can ask for changes when farm plans already meet state rules and are signed by a licensed engineer…