S. 3796: Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

The Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026 aims to establish a dedicated program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focused on restoring and protecting the Ohio River Basin. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Program Establishment

The bill mandates the creation of the Ohio River National Program Office within the EPA. This office will be responsible for overseeing the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program, which includes the coordination of actions to protect and restore the river and its surrounding ecosystems.

Director and Advisory Council

A Program Director will be appointed to manage this office, ensuring that the program's development and implementation are carried out effectively. An advisory council will also be established, which will include representatives from Ohio River states, Tribal Governments, and relevant stakeholders, allowing for a broad range of input into the program.

Goals of the Program

The primary objectives of the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program include:

• Improving water quality in the Ohio River Basin.
• Increasing community resilience to floods and storms by restoring natural systems.
• Protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats.
• Controlling the spread of invasive aquatic species.
• Remediating toxic pollutants in the area.
• Enhancing public access and recreational opportunities.
• Collecting and evaluating data to assess project effectiveness.
• Encouraging public outreach and education.

Funding

The bill authorizes $350 million per fiscal year from 2027 to 2031 to support the program’s activities. Funds can be allocated to various projects that align with the program's goals, including grants to states, local governments, and non-profit organizations.

Implementation and Oversight

The Program Director, in collaboration with the advisory council, will select projects based on specific criteria, ensuring that selected initiatives meet the measurable improvement goals for the river's ecological health. Regular updates and reports on the program's progress will be made publicly available.

Action Plan Development

Within a year of the bill's enactment, the Program Director must establish actionable goals for the program, which will be updated at least every five years. A detailed action plan must also be developed within two years, describing how the goals will be achieved and how existing programs can be leveraged for effective outcomes.

Public Engagement

The program will include opportunities for public comment on the goals and plans, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process.

Relevant Companies

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