June 26, 2025
Ohio Legislature Slashes Vital Water Funding for H2Ohio in Two-Year State Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
Media@theoec.org
Ohio Legislature Slashes Vital Water Funding for H2Ohio in Two-Year State Budget
Columbus, OH – The Legislature has approved a two-year state budget that significantly reduces funding for H2Ohio, Ohio’s flagship water quality program. Funding for the program has been cut by nearly 40%, jeopardizing efforts to safeguard clean water for communities across the state. With the June 30 deadline looming, the bill now awaits Governor DeWine’s decision.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) absorbed the vast majority of the cuts, with their H2Ohio programs being slashed by 73% and 55% respectively. The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) experienced a notable 12% cut. In total, the H2Ohio Program will see a reduction of $52,615,999 from the annual budget.
The following quote can be attributed in whole or in part to Pete Bucher, Executive Director of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Water quality is a staple of life for our drinking water, our recreation, and many Ohio Businesses. For six years, the H2Ohio program has protected waterways to safeguard Ohioans. The funding cuts in HB 96 deliver a devastating blow to Ohio’s communities, threatening the very waterways they rely on for life, livelihood, and future prosperity.
The instability of a funding model reliant on budget negotiations every two years highlights an urgent need for a sustainable, long-term plan to fund H2Ohio. Securing clean water is not just an option, but a vital necessity for safeguarding public health and ensuring the prosperity of Ohio’s future.”
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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.
