HB 1100 would have done little to attract new business, create jobs, or promote economic growth in Indiana but could very well have the opposite effect. Indeed, study after study reveals that states with strong environmental policies have not inhibited their industries’ competitiveness, stifled employment, or hindered economic growth. Rather, the empirical data confirms that states that are more protective of their natural resources consistently out-perform states with weak environmental regulations by all economic measures.
What’s more, economic development officials at the state and local level, including the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, now recognize the essential role that quality of life and quality of place play in attracting and retaining talent, and in business recruitment. Hampering our state agencies’ ability to provide for public health and safety, and protect our environment and natural resources, will diminish our quality of life.