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Congress·In Committee·25 days ago

Senate Committee Reviews Ohio River Restoration Program Act, Targeting $350M Annually to Clean Up 15-State Watershed

Also known as: Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Energy EnvironmentInfrastructure Transportation

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 5, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Feb 5, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 1 year of enactment

Program Director must develop measurable, actionable goals for the restoration program

The public gets to see and comment on the specific environmental targets the program will pursue, setting priorities for how billions in funding will be spent across 15 states.

Within 2 years of enactment

Full action plan with specific projects and timelines must be completed

Communities, local governments, and organizations across the Ohio River Basin will know which projects are planned and can begin applying for grants to carry out water quality, flood prevention, and habitat restoration work.

Related News

5 articles
Politico·3 months ago

Bipartisan bill to launch Ohio River cleanup gains momentum

Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.) introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to direct the EPA to create a dedicated program for the Ohio River, one of the nation's most impaired. The bill aims to reduce pollution in partnership with state, local, and tribal governments.

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Cleveland.com·about 1 month ago

Bipartisan bill seeks $350M for Ohio River restoration

Lawmakers from across the 15-state Ohio River Basin are pushing for a new federal program to restore the waterway. The bill would authorize $350 million annually for five years to improve water quality, restore habitats, and mitigate flooding risks.

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The Kentucky Lantern·9 months ago

Coalition puts forward plan to protect and restore Ohio River basin waters

A new report from the Ohio River Basin Alliance and National Wildlife Federation outlines a collaborative plan to restore the Ohio River. The plan serves as the foundation for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, seeking federal investment on par with the Great Lakes.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

Bill NumberS 3796
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.