July 2, 2025

OEC Action Fund Applauds Governor DeWine for Budget Vetoes Protecting Clean Water and Public Lands 

For Immediate Release: 

July 2, 2025 

Contact: 

Karlena Wallace, Communications Director 

media@theoec.org or 614-487-7506 

OEC Action Fund Applauds Governor DeWine for Budget Vetoes Protecting Clean Water and Public Lands 

Columbus, OH — Late Monday evening, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 96, the state’s two-year operating budget – but not before utilizing his veto power to mitigate substantial attacks on Ohio’s water and public lands. Governor DeWine line-item vetoed two provisions specifically requested for removal by the OEC Action Fund. Veto Item 20 struck language that would have prohibited the use of H2Ohio funds for land acquisition for conservation easements on land involved in H2Ohio projects. Veto Item 37 removed language that would have prevented state and local governments from using eminent domain to obtain property for the construction of recreational trails.  

The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Spencer Dirrig, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund: 

“Governor DeWine made the right call for Ohio’s future by vetoing provisions that would harm Ohio’s clean water and public lands. His leadership affirms that clean water and public lands are not bargaining chips — they’re fundamental commitments we owe to every Ohioan. We’re grateful that the Governor stood up to protect H2Ohio’s integrity and the communities that rely on it.  

“At the same time, the legislature’s deep cuts to H2Ohio funding in this budget are a wake-up call: Ohio needs long-term, stable investment in clean water. Short-term fixes with fluctuating resources won’t solve generational challenges. We’ll keep fighting to ensure H2Ohio is funded at the scale Ohioans demand.”  

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The OEC Action Fund seeks to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.