Criticism floods in after Holcomb signs wetlands deregulation bill

Gov. Eric Holcomb drew sharp criticism Friday after signing legislation to remove state protections from Indiana’s wetlands, a measure opposed by businesses and environmental groups as well as a fifth-grader from Carmel. Senate Enrolled Act 389 repeals the requirement of a permit for development or other impacts on wetlands and creates a task force to study wetlands. Over 100 organizations opposed SEA 389, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. “It’s surprising and very disappointing that the governor signed a bill that is likely to have negative impacts on Indiana’s water quality, flood control and quality of place factors that the state…