A bill that has passed the Indiana House could change how large projects get approved in rural areas.
House Bill 1333 discusses topics such as data centers and energy projects. Supporters of the bill say that it could bring jobs and investment to farmland that isn’t good for growing crops.
An amendment added to the bill is getting attention, though. The amendment makes it so that if a project is built on farmland that has mostly poor-quality soil, the project would automatically be allowed under zoning rules.
This would mean that local zoning boards would not be required to hold public hearings on those projects.
The projects would still need to acquire permits and follow basic rules, though local officials would have less power to say no or set conditions on the projects.
The bill passed the House Monday and will now move to Indiana Senate.
Citizens wishing to contact their state Senators to voice either support or opposition to this or any bill currently moving through the legislature can do so at iga.in.gov.
