While HEC watches many pieces of environmental legislation during the Indiana General Assembly, not all of it advances in the legislative process. Here are summaries of some of the bills we watched that did not move on this legislative session. To see active legislation in the General Assembly, visit our Bill Watch 2025 Page.
Bill Watch 2024
Bills that Did Not Advance in 2025
Support
- SB 121: Destructive Minnow Fishing
- SB 256: Ground Water
- SB 277: Indiana Grown Produce for Students Program
- SB 307: Environmental Waste Inventory and Grant Program
- SB 310: Energy Audit
- SB 321: Designated Wild Areas
- SB 330: School Air Quality Testing
- SB 541 & HB 1581: Community Solar
- HB 1234: Conservation of Agricultural Farmland
- HB 1286: PFAS Chemicals
- HB 1302: Single Use Food Service
- HB 1366: PFAS Chemicals
- HB 1447: State forest areas restricted from logging
- HB 1553: PFAS Biosolids Testing
- HB 1628: Property Development Matters
Oppose
Following
No bills for this category
support
SB 121: Destructive Minnow Fishing
SB 121 authored by Sen. Spencer Deery, Sen. Michael Crider, and Sen. Scott Baldwin prohibits minnow fishing methods (including dip nets, cast nets, minnow traps, and minnow seines) that disrupt waterway ecosystem balance by catching indiscriminately large numbers of minnows. These methods can lead to entanglement and injury of fish, trapping smaller, non-target fish, killing or harming juveniles, and causing large numbers of fish stress, which can lead to harm for water ecosystems. HEC recommends the bill be amended so that its effect is statewide, with no special management of Sugar Creek.
Update
SB 121 had its first reading on 3/3 and was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
SB 134: Water Management Authority
Indiana needs a comprehensive water strategy for protection of our most critical resource - water. This bill establishes the Water Management Authority as an agency of state government and mandates the adoption and implementation of a statewide water plan. Additionally, it creates a regional water management council for each of the nine hydrological regions in Indiana. SB 134, authored by Senator J.D. Ford, highlights the importance of comprehensive water management. HEC continues to evaluate this bill and how it can most effectively move forward essential measures to value and protect our water resources.
Update
On 1/8, SB 134 had its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Utilities.
support
SB 256: Ground Water
SB 256 authored by Sen. Spencer Deery (R -Dist. 23) creates the Ground Water and Aquifer Preservation Task Force, which would advise the legislative council on water regulations. Additionally, this bill would set a moratorium on major ground water withdrawal facilities from May 2025 to June 2027. This bill would contribute to a much-needed comprehensive state water strategy to protect this critical resource.
Update
SB 256 had its first reading on 1/13 and was referred to the Committee on Utilities.
support
SB 277: Indiana Grown Produce for Students Program
SB 277 authored by Senator Shelli Yoder (D. -Dist. 40) creates a fund that provides grants to schools to purchase food grown by Indiana farmers. This bill will improve nutrition, reduce miles travelled for food deliveries, and invest in our state’s farmers.
Update
SB 277 had its first reading on 1/13, and was referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
support
SB 307: Environmental Waste Inventory and Grant Program
Brownfields are lands that were once developed but are currently abandoned or underused, and contain hazardous contaminants that pose risks to soil, air, and water. Examples include abandoned factories or gas stations. SB 307 authored by Senator Andy Zay (R-17) would allow the Indiana Brownfields Fund to pay for the creation of an inventory of brownfields in Indiana, which would be shared with the Interim Study Committee on Environmental Affairs in 2026 and every other year thereafter. Creating an inventory of brownfields in our state is the first step towards cleaning them, mitigating environmental and public health risks to communities across Indiana.
Update
SB 307 had its first reading on 3/3 and was referred to the House Committee on Environmental Affairs, but is not yet scheduled for a hearing. On 3/13, Rep.Dant Chesser (D-71) was added as a cosponsor.
support
SB 310: Energy Audit
Energy audits are the first step in understanding opportunities to benefit from energy efficiency. SB 310, authored by Sen. Andy Zay (R-17) and Sen. Eric Bassler (R-39) allows the Indiana Department of Administration to request for proposals and rewards for energy audits on the Indiana State Capitol building and the Indiana Government Center. Indiana government buildings often consume large amounts of energy. Implementing energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems, stands to result in cost-savings, a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced comfort, and even economic development, if the audit inspires more Indiana businesses and communities to invest in energy-efficient technologies. While SB 310 isn’t the first attempt to audit Indiana’s government buildings for energy consumption, HEC is not aware of a successful effort. Now is the time for Indiana to set a positive example for its citizens and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Update
SB 310 passed the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on 3/24 and was recommitted to the Committee on Ways and Means.
support
SB 321: Designated Wild Areas
SB 321 authored by Senator Shelli Yoder (D -Dist. 40) invokes a lofty and important finding: That large and relatively undisturbed forested areas are a part of “the defining heritage of Indiana, and securing these areas will provide the people of Indiana important opportunities for solitude and recreation, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and hunting.” SB 321 provides that 13 areas within certain state forests are designated as wild areas, to be “preserved for the benefit of present and future generations.” These areas must contain at least 800 acres of contiguous state-controlled land, be relatively undisturbed, and provide outstanding opportunities for recreation compatible with the land, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and hunting.
Update
On 1/13, SB 321 had its first reading. On 1/16, Sen. Eric Bassler (R-39) was added as coauthor.
support
SB 330: School Air Quality Testing
SB330 authored by Senator Mark Spencer (D. -Dist. 3) requires the Indiana department of health to conduct an air quality study of every school located in Indiana.
Updates
(01/13/25) First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services
oppose
SB 349: Environmental Remediation
Voluntary remediation is a program that supports property owners in environmental cleanups so land that contain hazardous substances and petroleum can be redeveloped, sold, and reused for commercial and industrial properties. However, because many properties will still contain some degree of hazardous materials after remediation, environmental covenants are recorded on the deed. These legal tools impose restrictions on the use of contaminated land to preserve the health and safety of adjoining land. SB 349, authored by Sen.Jeff Raatz (R –27), would allow property owners to bypass restrictive covenants and environmental restriction ordinances unless the “expected future use” of the site is likely to result in exposure to remaining contamination after the land is remediated. However, without an environmental restrictive covenant of record on a property deed, subsequent buyers and users of a contaminated property may not be alerted to the property’s contamination. This could result in later land renters and buyers unwittingly exposing themselves to environmental hazards.
Update
On 1/13, SB 349 had its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs.
oppose
SB 517: Purchase of Coal Fired Generation Facilities
Investor-owned utilities are moving away from coal fired generation largely because of the related expense in keeping them operational. Moving away from coal is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting our water and reducing health risks related to air pollution caused by burning coal. SB 517, authored by Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-D. 7) creates barriers and additional approval steps for utilities retiring coal plants.
Update
On 1/16, SB 517 had its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Utilities.
support
SB 541 & HB 1581: Community Solar
A primary focus in this year’s legislative session is bringing new energy resources to meet the rising demand. HEC advocates for clean and affordable energy sources that can begin meeting Hoosier home and business needs quickly. Two community solar bills have been introduced this session that align with HEC’s priorities. SB 541 authored by Senator Mark Spencer (D -Dist. 3) and HB 1581 authored by Representative Carrie Hamilton (D -Dist. 87) both provide an affordable path to much needed energy resources through community solar.
Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by members of the community. Not only can community members sign up for free, but they can save anywhere from 5-20% on their energy bills, making solar accessible for low-income households. Moreover, community solar removes barriers faced by renters, as well as businesses and homes that are poor structural fits for solar installation. It can also reduce strain and costs related to the distribution grid. HEC asks you to call or email your senator and representative and let them know you support affordable community solar! Better yet, attend Renewable Energy Day and join the effort to bring community solar to Indiana. Learn more about Community Solar on HEC’s website.
Update: SB 541
SB 541 had its first reading on 1/16 and was referred to the Committee on Utilities.
Update: HB 1581
HB 1581 had its first reading on 1/21 and was referred to the Committee on Utilities, Energy, and Telecommunications.
support
HB 1234: Conservation of Agricultural Farmland
Indiana is missing out on agricultural land conservation funding because our state lacks a program to receive it. HB 1234, authored by Representative Kendell Culp (R -Dist. 16), establishes the Agricultural Land Protection Program, granting Indiana access to funding to purchase agricultural land easements, which protect farmland by restricting non-agricultural uses of it. Conserving farmland upholds farming communities, protects fertile soil, and preserves lands that protect soil quality, such as wetlands. HEC has been working with partners to advocate for the introduction and passage of this important legislation.
Update
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development after the first reading on 1/9 and recommitted to the Committee on Ways and Means on 1/21. Representative Aylesworth and Representative Bauer have been added as co-authors.
support
HB 1286: PFAS Chemicals
PFAS, or “forever chemicals” are a group of manufactured chemicals that are prevalent in industry and consumer products. Their persistent nature leads to their accumulation in our water, soil, vegetation and even in our own bodies. PFAS are associated with a number of adverse health outcomes including cancer, thyroid and liver problems, and issues with fertility and childhood development. HB 1286 mandates that all PFAS discharged into Indiana waters be registered with the Department of Environmental Management. This registry will include the name of each PFAS chemical discharged, quantity and will be made publicly available. Monitoring PFAS chemicals is the first step towards reducing them and understanding their impact on our state. Representative Becky Cash (R -Dist. 25) presented about her bill on HEC’s PFAS webinar. Watch the recording here.
Update
On 1/13, HB 1286 had its first reading, and was referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs.
support
HB 1302: Single Use Food Service
HB 1302 is a much-needed bill authored by Reps. Sue Errington (D–34) and Pat Boy (D-9). The bill prohibits restaurants and delivery services from providing customers with plastic single use food service items. Provides that a restaurant or food delivery service shall provide only a non-plastic single use food service item, plastic straw, or condiment packet to a customer who explicitly requests one or more of the items. This bill has not been scheduled for hearing. HEC supports this bill to reduce tremendous waste and to encourage us all to consider our choices.
Update
On 1/13, HB 1302 had its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Public Health. On 1/21, Rep. Pat Boy (D-9) was added as a coauthor.
support
HB 1366: PFAS Chemicals
HB 1366 by Representative Ryan Dvorak (D – Dist. 8) mandates that the Indiana Department of Health establish maximum contaminant levels of PFAS for public water systems, stipulating that the number cannot be higher than federal standards and must be protective of public health, which includes vulnerable subpopulations.
Updates
HB 1366 had its first reading on 1/13 and was referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs.
support
HB 1447: State forest areas restricted from logging
This bipartisan bill is designed to give more protections to just 10% of state forest lands and to designate these carefully selected areas as “old forest”. Forestry specialists from the Department of Natural resources will identify and map undivided areas of no less than 500 acres each to receive protections for logging. Rep. Dave Hall authored HB 1447 with support from Rep. Kyle Miller (D-D. 82), Rep. Robb Greene (R-D. 47) and Rep. Matt Pierce (R-D. 61). HEC strongly supports this bill and urges others to make calls so that the bill can be heard in the House Natural Resources Committee.
Update
HB 1447 had its first reading on 1/21, and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. On 1/27, both Rep. Robb Greene (R-47) and Rep. Matt Pierce (D-61) were added as coauthors.
support
HB 1553: PFAS Biosolids Testing
Authored by Representative Maureen Bauer (D – Dist. 6), HB 1553 prohibits releasing biosolids, industrial waste products, or pollutant-bearing waters that contain more than 100,000 parts per trillion of one or more PFAS chemicals to land. This compares to the EPA standard for drinking water to not exceed 4 parts per trillion. Additionally, anyone releasing PFAS to land will have to notify impacted landowners and submit samples to IDEM for testing.
Updates
HB 1553 had its first reading on 1/21 and was referred to the Committee on Environmental Affairs.
support
HB 1628: Property Development Matters
In the past twelve months, approval of new solar and wind projects has slowed to a crawl if not a creeping stop. For Indiana to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and benefit from affordable, clean renewable energy, statewide siting standards need to be implemented.
HB 1628, authored by Rep. Craig Snow (R–22), develops statewide standards for energy projects including wind and solar. HEC recognizes the need for consistent standards for these critical resources to support economic growth powered by clean and affordable energy.
At the same time, HEC has concerns with this bill related to some environmental standards and opportunities for robust community input to ensure projects benefit local communities, in addition to the broader public good. HEC will advocate for language that promotes pollinator and native planting among solar fields, agrivoltaics or dual use of solar and agriculture on shared ground and more robust community input in helping to shape projects.
Given the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, wind and solar energy will win in the market against fossil fuels. HB 1628 is an important step in giving renewables the chance to compete.
Updates
HB 1628 received a hearing on 02/04 with two hours of testimony during which HEC spoke in support of developing statewide siting for renewables. A second day of testimony is scheduled for 02/11 during the House Utilities Committee meeting. HEC has offered recommendations to improve the bill and we understand a new amendment will be introduced by the author. Our improvements focus on protecting soil health for future farming and providing meaningful channels for community input into projects.