The governor ceremonially signed into law on April 27 legislation authored by State Representative Kendell Culp to change the permitting process for confined feeding operations in Indiana. The new law aims to make regulations more efficient and support local agriculture.
This issue is important because there are about 1,500 confined feeding operations in Indiana, which play a significant role in the state’s agricultural economy and food production. These operations must follow a detailed permitting process from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management due to their production of livestock organic nutrients, which is meant to protect public health and the environment.
Culp said he has heard from industry leaders that current permitting can be slow and inconsistent. He noted that some applicants have waited months beyond the required 90-day deadline for permit approval, while others have faced additional reviews when upgrading or expanding previously approved facilities. “Farming is a stressful and at times risky profession that contributes significantly to our state’s economy,” Culp said. “These operations need more certainty and quicker responses to ensure they can run smoothly and in compliance without navigating unnecessary bureaucratic delays.”
The new law, House Enrolled Act 1355, allows operators of confined feeding operations to request a voluntary pre-application meeting with IDEM before submitting a permit application. This meeting is intended to help identify potential issues early so regulations can be met more quickly. If IDEM does not respond within the required 90 days, it must refund application fees. The agency also cannot add retroactive requirements on already approved infrastructure when an operation seeks expansion under this legislation.
Additionally, the law designates a specific contact person within IDEM for confined feeding operation permits as another step toward streamlining the process. More information about House Enrolled Act 1355 can be found at iga.in.gov.
Observers say these changes could bring greater efficiency for farmers who operate these facilities across Indiana.
