Indiana Highlights Environmental Progress with Invitation to EPA Secretary

Indiana could soon play host to a national conversation on conservation and environmental stewardship. State Rep. Beau Baird, who serves as chair of the Indiana House Environmental Affairs Committee, has formally extended an invitation to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Lee Zeldin to visit the Hoosier State for an in-depth roundtable discussion on environmental priorities and a series of site visits that spotlight Indiana’s growing leadership in sustainability.

In his letter to Secretary Zeldin, Baird highlighted the state’s commitment to conservation through a variety of innovative initiatives and robust public-private partnerships. The roundtable, he proposed, would serve as a platform to discuss not only the environmental challenges facing Indiana and the nation but also the strides Indiana has made in addressing them. From restored habitats to sustainable industry practices, Baird emphasized that Indiana is eager to share its story—and its successes.

“Indiana is making strong progress on conservation and environmental sustainability,” Baird said. “This visit would highlight the partnerships and projects moving us forward. We would be honored to host Secretary Zeldin.”

Baird’s invitation includes a guided tour of several noteworthy environmental sites. Among the destinations he proposed are conservation districts working on land and water preservation, agricultural research facilities focused on sustainable farming practices, and manufacturing operations implementing forward-thinking environmental controls. The itinerary also includes stops at restored habitats that demonstrate the state’s investment in preserving and enhancing its natural resources.

The invitation reflects Indiana’s broader effort to take an active role in shaping policy and solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy. As the head of the Environmental Affairs Committee, Baird has prioritized collaborative approaches that leverage innovation and local engagement to move Indiana forward. The invitation to Secretary Zeldin aligns with that philosophy, offering an opportunity to bridge local and federal perspectives on environmental management.

While the EPA has not yet confirmed whether Secretary Zeldin will accept the invitation, the offer itself sends a clear message: Indiana is ready to engage with national leaders and showcase its role in advancing conservation. The proposed visit would mark a significant moment for Indiana, putting a spotlight on the practical solutions being implemented in both rural and urban communities.

Baird’s approach underscores the belief that environmental progress is not limited to the coasts or major metropolitan centers. Instead, real, measurable change is happening in states like Indiana—where partnerships between local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are driving innovation in land use, water quality, and resource preservation.

This invitation also comes at a time when federal and state collaboration on environmental policy is increasingly critical. From managing air and water quality to supporting biodiversity and natural resource conservation, state-level initiatives are often where national goals are tested and refined. A visit from the EPA Secretary would not only validate Indiana’s efforts but could also help shape future policy discussions based on successful, locally-driven models.

For now, Indiana awaits a response. But regardless of whether the visit happens this year or in the future, the message is clear: Hoosiers are committed to being part of the solution when it comes to protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future.

As Rep. Baird’s letter demonstrates, Indiana is not just reacting to environmental challenges—it’s actively leading, and ready to show the rest of the country how strategic collaboration and forward-thinking policy can deliver lasting results.