House approves measure limiting local sediment and erosion rules to state Construction Stormwater General Permit

The House passed House Bill 10-37, a bill that would prohibit a local jurisdiction, municipality or MS4 operator from adopting or enforcing local sediment and erosion-control requirements that exceed the state Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP). The sponsor said the bill creates regulatory consistency after IDEM (the Indiana Department of Environmental Management) transitioned stormwater regulation from a rule to a general permit and to relieve duplicative local restrictions that vary across jurisdictions.

Supporters argued that a single statewide standard reduces uncertainty and cost for builders and landowners who operate across multiple jurisdictions. Representative Miller, who presented the bill, said the measure clarifies legislative intent from earlier legislation (House Bill 12-66, 2019) and reflects stakeholder work with practitioners and regulators. The sponsor said consistent policy and installation produce better environmental outcomes.

Opponents raised concerns that the state is not geographically uniform—soil types and topography differ across the state—and that local governments and watershed operators may need stricter rules to protect local water quality. Representative Arrington and Representative Vorak cited testimony from water professionals and warned that loosening local authority could worsen Indiana's water-quality rankings.

On a roll call, the House approved final passage 66 yeas to 23 nays. Sponsors said the bill seeks clarity and uniformity rather than gutting environmental protections; opponents said local flexibility is needed to address site-specific water-quality risks.