STATEHOUSE (April 27, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) to overhaul the permitting process for confined feeding operations, streamline regulatory barriers and support local agriculture.
With Indiana home to about 1,500 CFOs, Culp said these operations are vital to the state's agricultural economy and food production. Because CFOs produce livestock organic nutrients, they're subject to a detailed permitting process by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to protect public health and the environment. Culp said he's heard from industry leaders that permitting can be slow and inconsistent, with some applicants waiting months beyond the 90-day deadline for approval. Others have faced additional reviews on previously approved facilities when upgrading or expanding operations.
"Farming is a stressful and at times risky profession that contributes significantly to our state's economy," Culp said. "These operations need more certainty and quicker responses to ensure they can run smoothly and in compliance without navigating unnecessary bureaucratic delays."
Culp said House Enrolled Act 1355 allows CFOs to request a voluntary pre-application meeting with IDEM before formally submitting a permit application to identify potential issues and meet regulations more quickly. IDEM must refund application fees if they don't respond by the 90-day deadline, and they can't add retroactive requirements on already approved infrastructure when operations seek expansion. The new law also designates a contact within IDEM for CFO permitting to better streamline the process.
Learn more about HEA 1355 by visiting iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
