Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill creates a new program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically to clean up and protect the Ohio River and the many smaller rivers and streams that flow into it. It sets up a dedicated office to manage restoration projects across 15 different states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
• The program focuses on improving drinking water quality, protecting fish and wildlife, and helping communities handle floods by restoring natural landscapes like wetlands. It also aims to remove toxic chemicals from the water and stop invasive species from spreading through the river system.
• If passed, the bill would provide $350 million every year from 2027 through 2031. This money would be used for grants to local governments, non-profits, and universities to carry out environmental projects that meet the program's goals, such as building nature-based infrastructure to prevent storm damage.
• Within the first two years, the program must create a specific action plan with measurable goals. This ensures the money is spent on projects that show real results, like cleaner water or better public access for fishing and boating, while requiring regular reports to the public on their progress.