Ind. agenda concerns environmentalists

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - One of Indiana's largest environmental groups says it's concerned that this year's General Assembly may pass legislation that would weaken Hoosiers' ability to protect themselves from pollution and other health risks.

Hoosier Environmental Council leaders on Friday cited several areas of concern, including measures they say would essentially allow industrial livestock operations to regulate themselves and prohibit communities from making any local rules for the factory farms.

Council Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda says the group is also concerned about whether an executive order setting a moratorium on new regulations applies to those regarding the environment and public health.

Gov. Mike Pence signed the order on his first day in office.

The council also wants to ensure the state environmental agency gets enough money in its budget to do its job.