Columbus, OH — Yesterday, the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate finalized Amended Sub. House Bill 110 (HB 110), the state of Ohio’s operating budget for FY2022 and 2023. The proposed budget refused to accept the Governor’s increased funding for water quality improvements through the H2Ohio program and continues to promote oil and gas development in Ohio’s state parks and public lands.
In response, the following quote can be attributed in full or part to Heather Taylor-Miesle Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund President:
“Despite calls to restore proposed funding to protect Ohioans’ drinking water and protect Ohio’s state parks and public lands from an aggressive oil and gas leasing provision, both chambers of the Ohio Legislature adopted Sub. HB 110 yesterday without addressing these critical issues.
“The OEC Action Fund continues to advocate for the restoration of H2Ohio funds proposed by the Governor that support the Ohio EPA’s water infrastructure projects. There is tremendous need for drinking water infrastructure improvements in communities across the state, however the conference committee failed to restore a much-needed additional investment in the H2Ohio program in their substitute bill today. The H2Ohio program is poised to continue improving drinking water quality for Ohioans if the resources are made available. The first year of this program proved its success. We should be doing more, not less, to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all who call Ohio home. We hope to see this funding appropriated through future legislation or a long term bond.”
“The OEC Action Fund is extremely disappointed that the Ohio Legislature’s Conference Committee failed to remove the provision aimed at fast-tracking leasing of Ohio state parks and public lands for oil and gas drilling. Public lands have never been more popular, the outdoor recreation industry never more lucrative, and the climate crisis never more pressing. The legislature’s bill provision would make it state policy to “promote” oil and gas development in Ohio’s state public lands. If this language makes it into law it will be a major failure of conservation leadership.”
“The OEC Action Fund will be sending several line-item veto requests to Gov. DeWine for his final consideration this week. We urge Gov. DeWine to stand up for the health of our environment, our democracy, and our communities.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We seek to protect and enhance the environment, economic viability, and health of all Ohio communities by expanding access to public lands, advancing critical environmental priorities, holding policy makers accountable, and electing environmental champions.
Press Inquiries? Please contact ebacha@theoec.org