On April 14, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed into law SEA 277 to modernize the state’s environmental statutes for the first time in decades. The measure includes specific language “to achieve the goals of cooperative federalism” and aims to improve clarity, reduce burdens, and simplify and streamline Title 13, the section of Indiana Code governing environmental regulations.
The law directs the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to “actively engage with its federal counterparts through comments, petitions, letters, advisory committees, rulemaking activities, and other means, to ensure federal environmental laws and their implementation serve the state of Indiana…” Further, it directs IDEM to “prioritize opportunities to address federal actions that are unnecessary, create barriers to environmentally beneficial projects, or are inconsistent with the law or best available science.”
States explored current thinking on cooperative federalism and how state environmental agencies were taking steps to update agency mission statements at the 2026 ECOS Spring Meeting.
“This law maintains IDEM’s broad authority over rulemaking, enforcement, permitting, monitoring, and every core environmental responsibility,” stated IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “SEA 277 delivers proactive efficiency, ensuring IDEM’s focus and resources go toward improving environmental outcomes, not navigating outdated requirements.”
The measure takes effect July 1.
