Letters to the Editor do not reflect the opinions of The Reporter, its publisher or its staff. You can submit your own Letter to the Editor by email to News@ReadTheReporter.com. Please include your phone number and city of residence. The Reporter will publish one letter per person per week.
Dear Editor:
Two years ago, lawmakers rolled back protections for more than half of Indiana’s wetlands. On Tuesday, the Indiana Legislature passed a bill that could leave more vital wetlands out to dry.
Despite its fast track through the legislature, HB 1383 has faced growing opposition from Hoosiers and conservation groups. Tuesday’s Senate vote demonstrated a lack of consensus among lawmakers. Governor Holcomb can protect Indiana’s natural resources by vetoing this problematic bill.
Indiana ranks fourth among states with the greatest loss of wetlands. HB 1383 would further reduce the number of wetlands that are protected in Indiana by changing the definition of Class III wetlands, the most ecologically important wetlands.
Indiana’s wetlands are important to the health and future of Indiana wildlife and communities. Last year, the Indiana Wetlands Taskforce, a group of experts and stakeholders, issued a report that emphasized the need to do more to protect Indiana’s wetlands. Additionally, polling shows that 94 percent of Indiana voters believe that state leaders should either strengthen or maintain Indiana’s current wetlands protections.
Protecting Indiana’s hardworking wetlands will protect the future of our state. Wetlands help to alleviate flooding and play an important role in water filtration. They provide vital habitat for vulnerable marsh birds. Wetlands also support Indiana’s outdoor recreation economy, which generates more than $15 billion in consumer spending a year.
We urge Governor Holcomb to veto HB 1383 and work to bring all stakeholders together to produce comprehensive wetland policy.
Brian Vigue
Policy Director of Freshwater
Audubon Great Lakes