HB 1383 Signed into Law, Further Eroding Wetlands Protections in Indiana
Attributable to Policy Director of Freshwater for 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Great Lakes, Brian Vigue
Published February 14, 2024
This article is from 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú Great Lakes
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“Last year, the Indiana Wetlands Taskforce, a group of experts and stakeholders, issued a report that emphasized the need to do more to protect Indiana's wetlands. This week, HB 1383 was signed into law – leaving more of Indiana’s wetlands out to dry.
Indiana ranks fourth among states with the greatest loss of wetlands. HB 1383 will further reduce the number of wetlands that are protected in the state by changing the definition of Class III wetlands, the most ecologically important wetlands.
We’re disappointed by this rollback of wetlands protections, but grateful to the thousands of concerned 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿Ú members and Hoosiers who spoke out against HB 1383 as it was fast-tracked through the legislature. This overwhelming opposition raised critical awareness among lawmakers of the benefits wetlands provide. When it came up for a vote, HB 1383 received more no votes than any other piece of legislation on the Senate floor – a testament to the power of Hoosier voices.
We’re not surprised by public outcry. Hoosiers have been clear that they care about wetlands protections. Polling shows that 94 percent of Indiana voters believe that state leaders should either strengthen or maintain Indiana's current wetlands protections. 
Big and small, wetlands help to alleviate flooding and play an important role in water filtration. They provide vital habitat for vulnerable marsh birds, and they support Indiana's outdoor recreation economy, which generates more than $15 billion in consumer spending a year.
Indiana’s wetlands are important to the health and future of Indiana wildlife and communities, and we need policies that protect them. HB 1383 is a step in the wrong direction. We will continue our work to protect Indiana’s wetlands, and we look forward to working with lawmakers to achieve comprehensive wetland policy that is good for all Hoosiers."
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