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Despite a number of last ditch efforts, language that would have stripped local governments from having regulatory authority on natural resource extraction did not make it to the floor.
Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomington) authored a bill that would prohibit county and local officials from regulating logging and mineral extraction on private property.
The measure failed, but similar language resurfaced as an amendment during the final days of the session.
Local governments say it’s important to be able to regulate some of those activities on private property because they could negatively impact things like water and quality of life.
Sen. Ron Alting (R- Lafayette) says the bill is an example of overreach.
“I have worked diligently to kill this,” Alting says. “I have killed it. That amendment and this bill is dead. It’s been offered by a couple of house members not once, but twice I’ve killed it this session.”
Ellington says he’s not sure if he will propose the measure in future sessions.
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