Environment

Specifies that an application for a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate of authority must include: (1) a risk assessment; and (2) a carbon dioxide injection estimate. Provides that when determining compensation in certain eminent domain proceedings, the perceived risk of certain hazardous conditions must be taken into account. Establishes a carbon sequestration pilot project fee program, and specifies certain conditions in relation to the fee money. Provides that a transfer of ownership in regard to a carbon sequestration pilot project does not relieve a prior operator from liability for any negligence or willful misconduct that occurred before the transfer. Requires the department of natural resources to inspect a carbon sequestration pilot project. Alters the threshold of consent one must obtain in order to use eminent domain or integration in relation to carbon sequestration.

Requires the department of natural resources to study and issue a report on the following topics: (1) opportunities to leverage public land to improve public health outcomes; (2) options for a consistent visitor fee collection system at state fish and wildlife areas; and (3) a plan to mitigate and recover from natural disasters affecting public land.

Requires the department of environmental management to adopt maximum contaminant levels for PFAS chemicals and effluent limitation standards for wastewater containing PFAS chemicals by July 1, 2027. Creates various compliance requirements for direct dischargers and indirect dischargers. Establishes various civil penalties. Establishes the PFAS chemical testing and remediation fund. Creates a PFAS chemical grant program.

Defines "data center". Prohibits a person from operating a data center in Indiana without obtaining a consumption permit from the department of natural resources (department). Sets forth information that must be included in a consumption permit application. Establishes procedures for the department to approve or deny a consumption permit application. Provides that a consumption permit may be transferred under certain circumstances. Provides that a person may consult with the department to assess the viability of a proposed data center with respect to water consumption. Allows the natural resources commission to adopt rules to implement this bill.

Authorizes a town, city, or county to establish or designate an agency to act for the town, city, or county as a local air pollution control agency (agency). Requires the commissioner of the department of environmental management (department) to enter into a contract with the agency of a town, city, or county if the agency is willing to enter into the contract. Provides that a contract between the department and the agency of a town, city, or county must: (1) require the department to advise, consult, cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to the agency; (2) authorize the agency to undertake air pollution control activities on behalf of the department or initiate enforcement of ordinances of the town, city, or county; and (3) provide for the payment of fair monetary compensation for the air pollution control activities performed by the agency. Provides that: (1) the compensation paid to an agency under a contract must be at least sufficient to cover the agency's staffing and operating costs; and (2) the rate of compensation must be adjusted each year according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Provides that a storage operator may not operate a carbon sequestration project that transports or stores carbon dioxide outside the county where the carbon dioxide is generated unless the project is approved by the appropriate county legislative body or plan commission. Exempts certain projects from the provisions of the bill. Makes conforming changes.