Indiana Governor Mike Braun has enacted a new level of transparency in state government by signing an executive order yesterday, which mandates that state departments must make their permitting information available to the public online. According to WISH-TV, Braun's directive applies to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Transportation, requiring them to post monthly data on permits issued.
The move towards greater accessibility of information has been framed by Braun as a means to promote accountability and efficiency within the state's agencies, Braun said in a statement issued Wednesday that the aim is to foster economic growth by ensuring that the permitting system is transparent, "Permitting is an important part of growing our economy, and publicly reporting permitting data holds agencies accountable and makes them more efficient," as reported by WIBC.
While the precise modifications to current practices have not been fully detailed according to the news release, the thrust of the executive order is clear, Braun has expressed a bold commitment to improving the business climate in Indiana by asserting, "My administration is committed to transparency and accountability, and we’re taking action to make Indiana the best place in America to start and grow a business,"; this vision is matched by the charge given to agency leadership which includes regular reviews of permitting procedures to meet established timelines, improve existing processes, and maintain the quality of permits issued, as detailed by FOX59.
Governor Braun's initiative, although welcomed by many as a step forward, leaves several questions unanswered about the implementation and potential impacts of this policy change on economic development but nevertheless, it represents a considerable shift toward greater accountability and efficiency in state operations with the governor emphasizing the critical nature of permits in business growth and the efficacy of agencies in a statement obtained by WISH-TV, "Permitting is an important part of growing our economy, and publicly reporting permitting data holds agencies accountable and makes them more efficient."
