Boy’s attempt to increase environmental protections blocked by House Republicans

During the 2024 legislative session, State Rep. Pat Boy (D- Michigan City) proposed two bills to increase Indiana’s environmental protections. House Bill 1404 outlaws the use of coal fly ash as structural fill. House Bill 1403 redefines the vague, legal classification of Indiana’s wetlands to further ensure their protection. Both bills were referred to the House Committee of Environmental Affairs where they were denied a hearing.  

“I’m devastated that my environmental bills were blocked,” Boy said. “Indiana is one of the worst in the nation for pollution and water quality. I live close to Lake Michigan, and I’ve noticed a decline in our natural ecosystem. I proposed both of these bills because of their direct need in Northern Indiana.  

“Coal ash regulations are something my district desperately wants – especially the Town of Pines. They authored a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging them to ban using toxic coal ash as structural fill. Many of the buildings in Pines were built using coal fly ash. The structural fill contains arsenic, lead, cobalt and some toxic chemicals that are radioactive. I’ve offered bills regulating coal ash each year since 2021. They’ve been blocked every time. I find the legislature's lack of environmental action extremely concerning. 

“Instead, we regressed this session by eliminating wetland and Per -and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) regulations. The House passed HB 1383 eliminating some protections for our Class 3 wetlands, and HB 1399 potentially allows PFAS chemicals to be used for research and development pending Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) rules. We had the opportunity to promote the well-being of our environment and residents, but House Republicans did the opposite. I stand by the value these protections would provide to Hoosiers, and I will continue fighting for an eco-friendly Indiana.”