A bill reducing protections for wetlands now heads to the governor. (Photo from Indiana Department of Environmental Management)
Republican state lawmakers quietly fast-tracked a contentious bill that will further strip protections on some Indiana wetlands. It’s the first piece of legislation to head to the governor’s desk this session.
The Senate approved the measure 32-17 on Tuesday — with eight Republicans joining the opposition. It’s not clear where Gov. Eric Holcomb stands on the bill, however.
House Bill 1383 reduces wetland protection by shifting some Class III wetlands — which are currently protected — down to Class II, which have far fewer safeguards.
The rush happened despite significant pushback to the bill.
Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, who sponsored the bill, said it ensures “significant, isolated wetlands” are protected in Indiana, “but without needlessly driving up the costs of buying a home, operating a business or farming.”
Sen. Rick Niemeyer in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 9, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)