Lawmakers to review policy changes

A committee of lawmakers plans to look into a decision made by a state office that they worry could prevent people from finding out about upcoming meetings on issues that affect them.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans to stop publishing newspaper notices about hearings on proposed changes to state air pollution rules and plans to bring parts of the state into compliance with federal air quality regulations.

Residents would either have to go to the state agency’s website or sign up for an email list to learn about the meetings.

State lawmakers who represent parts of Johnson County said the idea goes against the principle of transparency and good government.

They worry residents might not learn about meetings where important policy decisions could be made and would be deprived of the chance to offer their input when they still can.

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