IDEM seeks public input on evaluation of existing regulations

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is inviting Hoosiers to provide input on environmental regulations and policies that may be overly burdensome to individuals, businesses, communities, or industries across the state.

On March 12, Governor Braun signed Executive Order 25-38 , “Creating Opportunity through Reduction of Excessive Environmental Regulation,” (“EO 25-38”) which provides that “[t]he State of Indiana shall not adopt any new environmental rules, regulations, or programs that are more stringent than an applicable federal requirement or limitation unless explicitly required by Indiana state law or deemed necessary by the Governor’s Office.” EO 25-38 directs agencies responsible for environmental regulations to “report opportunities to revisit or rescind” certain environmental regulations and policies to the Governor’s Office by July 1.

Specifically, agencies like IDEM “should identify state environmental regulations and policies that are unduly burdensome, significantly raise the cost of living for Hoosiers, are not supported by current law and the best available science, or do not benefit Indiana’s environment.”

In accordance with EO 25-38 and other executive orders, IDEM seeks input from entities and individuals affected by Indiana environmental regulations that meet the criteria noted within the Executive Order. Commenters are also encouraged to incorporate input that corresponds to Executive Orders 25-06, 25-49, 25-50, 25-17, 25-40, and 25-48.

Comments can be submitted to efficiency@idem.IN.gov. Comments must be submitted on or before June 30, 2025.

IDEM requests that commenters be as specific as possible and include any supporting data or other information such as: cost, Indiana Administrative Code citations when referencing specific regulations, and specific suggestions regarding repeal, replacement, or modification of existing environmental rules and regulations. Although the agency will not respond to individual comments, IDEM values public feedback and will carefully consider all input that is received.

As required by EO 25-38, IDEM will complete a review of environmental rules that exceed federal standards by Oct. 31, 2025, and will submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislative Council by Dec. 31, 2025.