INDIANAPOLIS - District 18 Rep. Dave Wolkins is supporting legislation that would require a summer study committee to look into tree-cutting activities by local utilities.
The measure, contained within Senate Bill 43, was approved Thursday by the House during a session at the statehouse in Indianapolis.The bill requires a utility worker to give notice to a property owner before trimming trees on a homeowner's property.
The House passed the bill 98-0. Senator Beverly Gard, District 28, will need to review the bill and then it will be sent to Gov. Mitch Daniels, Wolkins said.
Wolkins, Winona Lake, Republican, sits on the Environmental Affairs House Committee.
Wolkins said he is concerned about the lack of oversight for utilities engaging in tree-trimming activities.
"Some of the cutting that has occurred in Winona Lake has shown a lack of respect for the rights of homeowners," he said during a telephone interview this morning.
He said about five to six years ago, he had tree trimming done on his property by NIPSCO.
"There was an Elm tree where I verbally expressed to NIPSCO I did not want to have it cut down, and a limb was cut down without my approval," Wolkins said.
He said the tree still stands, but only shades half of his home since the limb was cut.
Wolkins said he is eager to research what sort of regulations can be put in place to protect trees and yards from overzealous trimmers. He said he would like to see if the state can require utilities to notify residents before trimming or cutting on the property owner's land.
"I believe property owners have a right to know what sort of work will be done on their property, and I want to give owners the right to contest proposed cutting activities," Wolkins said.
In the event of a property owner contesting tree-trimming on their land, Wolkins is proposing that a neutral third party look into the matter to decide if the trimming is necessary for the continued safe delivery of electricity and other utilities.
