Columbus, OH — The Ohio House today voted to approve Amended House Bill 175 (HB 175), a bill designed to remove protections for an estimated 36,000 miles of ephemeral streams in Ohio, opening them up to pollution and degradation.
In response, the following quote can be attributed in full or part to Pete Bucher, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund Program Director:
“Dirty water legislation is dangerously close to becoming law in Ohio as HB 175 now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk. We urge Governor DeWine to act in accordance with his strong stance of protecting Ohio waterways and veto this bill.
“Not only does HB 175 fail to protect the important ecological qualities of Ohio’s ephemeral streams, it also fails to protect the drinking water of millions of Ohioans who rely on water resources fed by these streams. This bill will cause regulatory uncertainty for the 36,000 miles of ephemeral streams in Ohio, leading to further pollution ending up in our larger waterways. As a result, Ohio families will likely see rising water bills given increased treatment needs.
“But that’s not all. Taxpayer investments in programs designed to protect and improve drinking water quality, like the state’s H2Ohio program, will be directly undercut. Signing HB 175 into law would unravel the progress that’s been made to clean up our rivers, lakes and streams.”
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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 will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.
Media Inquiries? ebacha<at>theoec.org