OEC ACTION FUND APPRECIATES SPEAKER HOUSEHOLDER AND MINORITY LEADER SYKES FOR INVESTING IN CLEAN WATER, PUBLIC LANDS AND OHIO’S ENVIRONMENT
Budget bill allocates funds towards public lands and environmental protections for Ohioans
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund applauded Speaker of the House Larry Householder and House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes for passing a two-year state budget yesterday that will invest more in public lands and Ohio's environment, creating a healthier future for Ohioans.
"We would like to applaud House Speaker Larry Householder and Representative Emilia Sykes for passing a budget that will invest in Ohio's environment and protect Ohioans," said Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. "Their votes will invest $47 million in public lands, preserving access to approximately 60,000 contiguous acres including the AEP ReCreation Lands.
“The investment also includes reinstating the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves that will make Ohio's nature preserves a priority, and protect plant and wildlife for years to come. We are also glad to see that the Division of Wildlife will be able to continue their vital conservation work, thanks to adjusted revenue from hunting and fishing licenses."
"The House also voted to allocate more than $50 million in the next two years for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to plug orphan wells. These inactive wells can leak dangerous pollutants into our atmosphere and water sources," said Taylor-Miesle.
"I'd also like to thank state Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson for offering an amendment during committee to protect oil and gas first responders. Although the measure didn't pass, Rep. Hicks-Hudson’s positive step helped to shine a light on the issue," said Taylor-Miesle.
“Although the House did not maintain the Governor’s proposal to apply all of the surplus to H2Ohio, we urge the General Assembly to continue efforts to find other methods to secure necessary, long-term resources to support the clean up and preservation of the waters that support Ohioans and Ohio businesses.”
The OEC Action Fund works for pragmatic solutions to keep Ohio clean and beautiful, and our communities safe. We fight for clean air and water, clean energy, and protected public lands. We hold polluters accountable in court while working with communities and companies that want to invest in a clean, more sustainable direction. For nearly 50 years, we have led many of the major environmental policy wins in Ohio.