There is lots of speculation, some good hard intelligence and many unknowns as we prepare for the 2025 legislative session. One thing HEC feels confident in predicting is that with: a new governor coming into office; it being a budget year and a longer session; and with new strains on our infrastructure and resources related to AI datacenters, advanced manufacturing; and continued loss of farmland and natural spaces due to development, it will be a consequential legislative session.  Below is some of what HEC expects with some of our priorities highlighted.

Land Conservation 

  1. HEC, as part of the Indiana Conservation Alliance (INCA) will promote a bill, similar to HR1376 from the 2019 session, that would dedicate a portion of the existing sales tax revenue from outdoor recreation and sporting equipment sales to fund state land, water, and wildlife conservation. HEC and INCA have worked to build bipartisan support for conservation, and we believe there is strong support for possible legislation within the House Natural Resources committee. 
  1. For over 20 years, Indiana has consistently ranked last in the nation for leveraging federal funds for agricultural and wetland conservation easements, leaving approximately $21 million of annual federal investment unused. HEC is working with a coalition to change that. 

Water Planning and Protection 

  1. A new water resource planning committee will be developed this session to study Indiana’s water demands and how the state will monitor and balance unequal distribution of this critical resource.  HEC will be a voice championing issues of water quality, natural infrastructure like wetlands, and protecting sensitive ecosystems as the state grapples with new demands from AI datacenters, advanced manufacturing and projected population growth. 
  1. HEC has learned that legislation regarding PFAS and their spread through biosolids is likely to be introduced this session. PFAS, or forever chemicals, are chemical compounds used in products ranging from food packaging to advanced medical equipment. These compounds accumulate and persist in plants, wildlife, and humans and are a threat to human health. In addition, HEC anticipates that a failed bill, from the 2024 legislative session, to limit state level PFAS regulation may be reintroduced this session. 
  1. Additional water legislation addressing septic systems, lead service lines, water withdrawals, funding for water resource research and planning and more may be part of this year’s session. 
HEC anticipates water demands to be a focus in the 2025 Legislative Session Preview.

Affordable Clean Energy

  1. HEC will continue to work with the Hoosiers for Community Solar Coalition to advance new sources of local solar power that provide resiliency to our grid, savings on energy bills and much needed power additions with the shortest wait times. Hoosier residents and businesses deserve this new affordable energy option that needs to be enabled through legislation that mandates cooperation between our investor-owned utilities and independent energy providers. 
  1. Siting continues to be one of the biggest obstacles for large scale solar and wind projects.  While market and corporate demands enable investment in clean energy projects, inconsistent and at times unreasonable restrictions at the local level make it a challenging environment for needed solar and wind developments to move forward. HEC advocates for responsible siting that benefits communities, protects soils health and enables new investment in the most affordable source of new energy generation. 
  1. Indiana’s investor-owned utilities, with the exception of Duke Energy, are moving away from coal power generation and relying more on renewables and natural gas. HEC anticipates backers of coal will introduce legislation that will delay the closure of costly coal fired power plants. We will do what we can to support the ongoing transition to clean affordable energy options. 

2025 is an important budget year. As such, HEC will closely monitor necessary state agencies including Indiana Department of Environmental Management and Department of Natural Resources budget needs and be an advocate for full funding for the programs that protect our environment and preserve our natural spaces.  HEC also advocates for funding for Indiana’s 92 Soil and Water Conservation districts and appreciates the good work they do. 

After a successful attempt to win special funding for conservation and outdoor spaces in 2023, HEC will be working alongside members of the Indiana Conservation Alliance to secure a more permanent source of income for these important priorities. Through a carve out of a portion of existing sales tax revenue from outdoor recreational gear for activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping, INCA is working to win new record funding. 

HEC is committed to protecting our valuable natural resources, like Howell Wetlands.