FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jacob Stewart, Press Secretary
Jacob.Stewart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2025) — A Senate Republican priority bill authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) to protect Indiana's water resources passed the General Assembly and was signed by Gov. Braun on April 22.
Senate Enrolled Act 4 will require a permit for basin-to-basin water transfers and other large, long-distance water pipeline projects. Entities applying for a basin-to-basin permit with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will need to provide hydrologic and environmental impact assessments of the source area and alternate water sources that could be used in place of the proposed source. For long-haul water pipelines, even if the water is staying within the same geological basin, a permit will be required from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
The legislation was signed shortly after Braun issued an executive order to direct the Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources to lead a statewide inventory of Indiana's water resources to assess current usage, availability and future demand. The study will pay close attention to regional disparities to develop a statewide water planning framework to align utilities, industries, municipalities and other users to ensure transparent regional cooperation.
"I am glad to have such a great partner in Gov. Braun to protect Indiana's water resources," Koch said. "The governor's planning framework and the General Assembly's permitting framework will ensure continued sustainable, affordable and responsible access to water for Hoosiers for years to come."
Senator Koch serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, ranking member of the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Commerce and Technology, and member of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.
Koch encourages residents of Senate District 44 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Koch can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Koch or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) represents Senate District 44,
which includes Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties,
and portions of Monroe County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
