Nearly 300 Indiana residents have called on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to uphold critical clean air and water protections amid a contentious regulatory review ordered by Gov. Mike Braun. The appeal, submitted by Indiana Conservation Voters (ICV) in the form of 284 signatures on a letter, was delivered to IDEM ahead of today’s public comment deadline.
At the heart of the concern is Executive Order 25-38, which directs IDEM to review and potentially roll back environmental regulations that are considered “unduly burdensome” or stricter than federal standards. While the order aims to streamline processes, environmental advocates warn that rescinding key protections could endanger public health and the environment, particularly in communities already vulnerable to pollution.
“These aren’t industry lobbyists or corporate donors,” said Delaney Barber Kwon, ICV Director of Government Affairs. “They’re real people who just want clean water to drink, safe air to breathe and a future where Indiana is a healthy place to live. IDEM needs to listen to their voices as they consider rolling back these protections.”
In their letter, Hoosiers emphasized that safeguarding the environment and promoting economic growth are not mutually exclusive.
“We support policies and regulations that maintain a balance between a healthy economy and healthy communities. We believe these goals can drive each other,” the letter states.
The letter also highlighted concerns that rescinding regulations written and maintained by environmental experts could disrupt efficiency rather than improve it. “Overall, we believe most of these ordinances, regulations and policies were written to ensure growth and prosperity as opposed to stalling it.”
ICV further urged IDEM to increase transparency and community involvement. “Because they are often not in the room, we urge IDEM to prioritize the burdens of hard-working Hoosiers and hold a public hearing and chance for comment for each and every rule and regulation you intend to rescind or alter,” the letter concluded.
Indiana Conservation Voters is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for clean energy, air and water policies that protect Hoosiers and strengthen Indiana’s economy. By working with a broad range of stakeholders, the group champions meaningful legislation and educates lawmakers and the public about environmental priorities.
For more information about ICV’s work, visit their website at indianacv.org.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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