(INDIANAPOLIS) - Four members of the Indiana Natural Resources Commission have resigned in recent weeks amid a dispute over public input, transparency and changes to the state's rulemaking process.
The latest departures are longtime commission member Phil French and Vice Chair Jane Ann Stautz.
French, who served on the commission for 20 years, told Governor Mike Braun he no longer believed public input played the same role it once did in the commission's work.
Stautz did not give a specific reason for resigning, but urged future members to protect citizen participation, transparency and public trust.
Their departures follow the June resignations of former commission Chair Bryan Poynter and member Bart Herriman.
Herriman sharply criticized changes made under Indiana Department of Natural Resources Director Alan Morrison, arguing that citizen input had been restricted.
The dispute centers on how proposed DNR rules reach the commission.
Historically, commission members reviewed and preliminarily proposed rules before later voting on final adoption. Under a process Morrison began using, the DNR director can issue preliminary approval before the rules reach the commission.
Commission members would still vote on final adoption, but those seeking additional input during the process would need to participate through public hearings.
The Department of Natural Resources disputes the resigning members' characterization. The agency maintains the change speeds up rulemaking while preserving opportunities for commission review, public comment and final approval.
The Natural Resources Commission has 12 members and helps oversee state policy and regulatory decisions involving Indiana's natural resources.
Braun recently reappointed members John Wright and Tom Kelley. He also appointed Heather Setser of Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging and former state lawmaker Kevin Mahan.
The commission will continue operating while the governor fills vacancies and the dispute over rulemaking and public participation continues.