May 11, 2026
Celebrating Bipartisan Leadership At Our First Legislative Reception
Over the past year, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund has taken a more deliberate approach to our work at the Statehouse with a renewed focus on outcomes. The OEC Action Fund’s strategy has been straightforward: build real working relationships with legislators, bring credible policy expertise to the table, and help advance practical environmental solutions.
Environmental policy is rarely just about the environment. Conversations about clean water, conservation, and energy are also conversations about economic development, public health, and long-term infrastructure. Legislators from both parties are increasingly looking for partners who can engage seriously on those issues and help them address the growing affordability crisis in our communities. The OEC Action Fund is part of those conversations in a constructive way, building bridges and opening new doors for policy wins.
To recognize the progress being made and the leaders moving it forward, the OEC Action Fund hosted an inaugural Legislative Reception in February. The event brought together a bipartisan group of legislators, legislative staff, partners, and advocates engaged in environmental policy at the Statehouse. It provided an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pace of legislative work and recognize several lawmakers who have played an important role in advancing environmental priorities over the last year.
During the reception, OEC Action Fund presented three awards recognizing leadership on conservation, clean water, and energy policy.
The Conservation Leadership Award recognized the sponsors of House Bill 399, legislation that would prohibit fracking in Ohio’s state parks and under Lake Erie. Protecting public lands and Lake Erie remains a key priority for Ohioans across the state, and this legislation reflects a commitment to safeguarding those shared resources.
The Clean Water Leadership Award recognized the sponsors of House Bill 307, bipartisan legislation to replace lead service lines and address one of the most serious drinking water challenges facing Ohio communities. Lead contamination remains a significant public health concern, and the legislation represents an important step toward safer water infrastructure across the state.
The Ohio Energy Leadership Award recognized leadership in advancing House Bill 15, bipartisan legislation that repealed the remaining OVEC subsidies created under the corrupt House Bill 6. Through work in the House Energy Committee and collaboration across the legislature, lawmakers came together to cut costs for Ohio consumers and end these costly subsidies for outdated fuel sources. One of the most encouraging parts of the evening was the bipartisan turnout. Environmental policy continues to intersect with broader issues like affordability facing Ohioans, and progress often depends on lawmakers willing to work across party lines.
For the OEC Action Fund, the reception marked an important milestone. It reflects the stronger relationships being built at the Statehouse and the growing recognition that environmental advocates deserve a serious seat at the table. The OEC Action Fund looks forward to continuing the tradition in the years ahead as it works with leaders from both parties to advance solutions that protect Ohio’s environment and strengthen communities.
This article was originally shared through our affiliate Ohio Environmental Council’s Greenwatch publication, which you can read on the OEC’s website.
