Ohio River Restoration Program Act
Summary
The Ohio River Restoration Program Act aims to establish a comprehensive program for the restoration and protection of the Ohio River Basin. It amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to create the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The act authorizes appropriations of $350 million annually from 2026 through 2030 to fund projects and activities that improve water quality, enhance community resilience, and protect fish and wildlife habitat.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the creation of the Ohio River National Program Office within the EPA, headed by a Program Director. This office will coordinate actions, develop and implement a restoration program and action plan, and engage with Tribal governments. The program will fund projects addressing water quality, flood resilience, habitat restoration, and invasive species control.
Potential Benefits
- Improved water quality in the Ohio River Basin, benefiting drinking water and aquatic ecosystems.
- Increased community resilience to floods and storms through natural system restoration.
- Protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats.
- Enhanced public access and recreational opportunities in the Ohio River Basin.
- Improved public outreach, education, and citizen involvement in environmental projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in establishing and managing the new program office and advisory council.
- Risk of funds being misallocated or used for projects with limited environmental impact.
- Possible conflicts between restoration efforts and existing navigation or infrastructure projects.
- The Act relies on future appropriations, which are not guaranteed and could be reduced or eliminated.
- Potential for disagreements among stakeholders (federal, state, tribal, local entities) on project priorities and implementation strategies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Ohio River Restoration Program Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of the people by protecting and restoring the Ohio River Basin. The establishment of the program and the appropriation of funds fall under the powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).