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Federal Ohio River Protection Act Legislation Would Address Pressing Water Quality, Conservation Needs In Ohio River Watershed

On December 17, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-Kentucky) and Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-Indiana), co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus, introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, the first comprehensive piece of legislation to address the pressing environmental and conservation needs within the 204,000 square miles of the Ohio River Basin.

[The Allegheny and Monongahela river watersheds in Western Pennsylvania are the headwaters of the Ohio River. Those rivers come together at The Point in Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River.]

“From waste and erosion to pollution and climate change, the Ohio River is facing serious threats that aren’t going to just work themselves out and can’t be fixed by one person or organization alone,” said Congressman Morgan McGarvey. “It’s unconscionable that our most vital and important resource is also the largest body of water in the entire country that receives zero dollars in dedicated federal funding—we’re working to change that. I’m proud to partner with my Ohio River Basin Caucus co-chair Rep. Houchin in leading this historic, bipartisan effort to holistically address our river’s needs.”

"The Ohio River is essential to millions of Americans, providing drinking water and supporting jobs across our region,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin. “We’re committed to ensuring the river gets the attention and resources it needs by securing federal funding and bringing together stakeholders to develop a plan that protects and restores it for future generations."

The geographic footprint of the Ohio River covers 55 congressional districts across 14 states—more than 25 million people in the region depend on the waters of the Ohio River Basin for their drinking water, health, jobs, and more.

In 2023, the Ohio River was named the 2nd most endangered river in the country, and it is the largest body of water in the United States that does not receive any dedicated federal funding for clean-up.

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act, modeled after successful initiatives like those in the Great Lakes, the Chesapeake Bay and other major bodies of water, would create an Ohio River National Program Office within the US Environmental Protection Agency to convene states, local governments, interstate compact agencies, tribal nations, and non-governmental organizations to work in conjunction to secure federal funding opportunities and create an action plan designed to carry out initiatives related to--

-- Core restoration actions that can provide a solid foundation for an Ohio River restoration and protection plan, such as habitat restoration, farm conservation, and invasive species control and management.

-- Pollution prevention and clean water protection that can complement and support restoration actions.

-- Robust monitoring, data collection, and evaluation that can be used to effectively and efficiently manage a restoration and protection program across 14 states.

-- Homeowner support that can help ensure that no person is denied clean, safe, and affordable water based on their economic status or where they live.

-- Workforce development and job training that can help create strong, local economies based on water protection and restoration.

-- Strong local public engagement structures to ensure that residents have a seat at the table to weigh in on restoration decisions and hold elected officials accountable.

-- Investments and policies that help communities prepare for the impacts of extreme storms and flooding.

-- Investments and policies that help the communities most impacted by pollution.

“Millions of people depend on the waters of the Ohio River Basin for their drinking water, health, jobs, and quality of life,” said Jordan Lubetkin, Senior Director for Ohio River restoration at the National Wildlife Federation. “We are grateful to Representatives Morgan McGarvey and Erin Houchin for their bipartisan leadership as co-chairs of the Ohio River Basin Caucus and their efforts to protect these critical habitats and waterways. The Ohio River Basin faces serious environmental threats, including toxic pollution and sewage contamination which threaten drinking water and the public health. This region deserves focused federal investments to restore its waters, and to support the public health, economic, and ecological benefits cleaner water can provide. We must act now to fund this important work, because inaction will only make the problem worse and more expensive to solve.”

“American Rivers is proud to endorse the Ohio River Restoration Program Act which will have a profound impact on the drinking water source of more than 25 million people across 14 states. For years, we have worked with partners to improve water quality, fish passage, and resilient infrastructure --- ensuring a healthy future for all,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, Senior Vice President, Conservation, American Rivers. “This timely legislation responds to the core needs of our communities and reflects our nation's commitment to protect the Ohio River and the Ohio River Basin. We thank Representatives McGarvey and Houchin for introducing a bill to implement basin-wide restoration approaches to strengthen collaboration and investment in the region."

"The Ohio River Basin faces numerous water resource challenges,” said COL L. Reyn Mann, Commander, Louisville District of the Army Corps of Engineers. “Protecting and nurturing this invaluable resource is paramount for the well-being of millions as its diverse ecosystems sustain communities, drive commerce, and offer boundless recreational opportunities. We are encouraged by the continued efforts to raise awareness of these critical issues and lay the groundwork for long-term solutions."

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Way, American Rivers, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Appalachian Voices, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center, West Virginia Rivers Coalition Inc., Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Kentucky Resources Council, Inc, River Fields, River City Paddle Sports, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Upstream Pittsburgh, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, Virginia Conservation Network, Three Rivers Waterkeeper, PennFuture, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Ohio Conservation Federation, Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN), Kentucky Riverkeeper, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, Prairie Rivers Network, Ohio River Foundation, and Kentucky Conservation Committee.

Click Here for text of the bill. Click Here for summary.

Click Here for the announcement.

NewsClip:

-- E&E News/Politico: Congressional Lawmakers Push For Federal Focus On Ohio River Watershed Water Quality Woes

Resource Link:

-- Headwaters To The Ohio Water Network Launches Assessment Of Needs Of Community-Based Watershed Groups And Leaders; Seeks Partners In PA [PaEN]

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