10 Indiana environmental regulations poised for elimination

None of the rules recommended for deletion appear to significantly threaten the state's environment, dramatically improve Indiana's business climate, or make changes, such as eliminating vehicle emissions testing, long-sought by some Region residents.

Instead, IDEM plans to scrap some paperwork associated with underground storage tanks and biomass digesters, allow fire departments to decide on their own when to train with open burning, extend the duration of some discharge permits, and expand the authorized uses of electronic waste fees, among other proposals.

"This review process has resulted in the identification of several areas for improved consistency, reduced burden, or provisions or programs that may be targeted for legislative or regulatory clarification or rescission," said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods.

In March, the Republican governor ordered IDEM to review every state environmental regulation and identify for possible elimination those alleged to be unduly burdensome, significantly raise the cost of living, are unsupported by current law and the best available science, or fail to benefit Indiana's environment.

That policy aligns with actions taken in recent years by the Republican-controlled General Assembly to embrace a "no more stringent than" approach when it comes to state environmental laws by not requiring more protections against air and water pollution than the minimums set by the federal government — despite Braun's noted preference for state's rights over federal authority.

"We can be good stewards of our environment without stifling growth through excessive government mandates, and I'm proud to be leading that initiative here in Indiana," Braun said.