About

Policy Happenings

With so many bills proposed every legislative session, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when it comes to protecting Indiana’s water supply. We work to gather the key water-related legislation from the Statehouse every year as well as provide updates after the session. Read on to find out how you can make your voice heard to safeguard Indiana’s water future.

State and local policies can dramatically impact the protection or degradation of water resources. Learn more about some of the primary issues from experts through:

Bills

  • HB 1043 Data Center Water Regulation

    Bill: HB 1043 Data Center Water Regulation

    Author: Rep. Alex Burton

    Referred To: House Committee on Natural Resources

    Link to the bill: IGA | House Bill 1043 – Data center water regulation

    HB 1043 would require a water consumption permit to be issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before any person/company could operate a data center that would use 10 million gallons or more of water per month. It contains a definition of “data center.” The bill specifies the information that must be submitted with the permit application and established the process for DNR to follow in approving or denying the application. HB 1043 allows a person/company to consult DNR prior to applying, to assess the viability of a proposed data center with respect to water consumption. It also authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to adopt any needed rules to implement the bill’s permit requirement and/or application process.

    Stance: .

  • HB 1062 Wake Boarding & Wake Surfing

    Bill: HB 1062 Wake Boarding & Wake Surfing

    Author: Rep. Dave Abbott

    Referred To: House Committee on Natural Resources

    HB 1062 defines wake boarding and wake surfing and specifies when those activities are allowed on public freshwater lakes.

    Stance: .

  • SB 6 Extension of Water Services

    Bill: SB 6 Extension of Water Services

    Author: Sen. Rick Niemeyer

    Referred To: Senate Committee on Local Government

    SB 6 requires public utilities to conduct an outreach campaign before condemning land for extending a water or wastewater main.

    Stance: .

  • SB 79 Data Center Development

    Bill: SB 79 Data Center Development

    Author: Sen. J.D. Ford

    Referred To: Senate Committee on Utilities

    SB 79 deals mostly with electric utilities. (Energy generation is a major water use category, however, so policies affecting electric power can have water resource implications.) Among other things, it requires the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to establish a working group to estimate future electricity needs of data centers and report by October 31, 2026.

    Stance: .

  • SB 83 Various Utility Matters

    Bill: SB 83 Various Utility Matters

    Author: Sen. Fady Qaddoura

    Referred To: Senate Committee on Utilities

    SB 83 deals mostly with electric utilities. (Energy generation is a major water use category, however, so policies affecting electric power can have water resource implications.) Among other things, it exempts consumers’ utility bills from state sales tax. It also removes the sales tax exemption for data centers that the General Assembly passed earlier in 2025.

    Stance: .