Gov. Mike Braun’s executive orders eliminating ‘environmental justice’ considerations from state policies have ignited strong opposition from environmental advocates and community leaders across Indiana. 

The two executive orders align Indiana’s environmental regulations strictly with federal standards and exclude ‘environmental justice’ factors such as race, ethnicity and socio-economic status from influencing state environmental decisions.  

The administration asserts that these measures will reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth by providing businesses with a predictable compliance framework. However, critics argue that this approach neglects vulnerable communities’ unique environmental challenges.  

“This is the exact wrong time to put limits on the state’s ability to protect Hoosiers’ quality of life, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and protections for our natural places,” said Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council. 

Environmental advocates contend that the exclusion of ‘environmental justice’ considerations undermines efforts to address the disproportionate impact of pollution on marginalized communities, potentially compromising public health and environmental quality in Indiana. 

“What environmental justice is trying to account for are these communities that have felt the disproportionate brunt of pollution,” Carpenter said. “We need to lift everyone up and ensure everyone has the right to clean air and clean water.” 

Legislators also opposed the orders. 

“These directives aim to limit and undermine the ability of the Indiana General Assembly to enact laws and regulations that best serve our state and its residents,” said State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend). “Deferring Indiana’s clean water and air regulations to Washington D.C. contradicts the principles once championed by the state’s Republican leadership.” 

Critics of Braun’s actions vow to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the health and well-being of Indiana’s most vulnerable communities. Environmental justice, they argue, is not just a regulatory concept but a commitment to fairness and equity in protecting the environment for all Hoosiers. 

For more information about the Hoosier Environmental Council, visit hecweb.org. 

This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/ 

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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth. 

HANNA RAUWORTH

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Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.