Ohio River Restoration Program Act

Full Title:
Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill would add a new Ohio River Basin Restoration Program to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and create an Ohio River National Program Office inside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Program Office would be led by a Program Director and work with an advisory council made up of federal agencies, states in the Ohio River Basin, Tribal Governments, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. The program would plan, fund, and carry out large-scale restoration and protection projects across the Ohio River Basin. Projects must pursue at least one listed goal such as improving water quality, increasing flood and storm resilience, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, preventing invasive species, remediating toxic substances, improving public access and recreation, collecting monitoring data, and doing public outreach. The bill requires the Program Director to develop measurable goals within 1 year and an action plan within 2 years, update them at least every 5 years, report annually and publish information on a public website, and consult with Tribal Governments and the advisory council. The bill authorizes grants to non-Federal entities, allows EPA to transfer funds to other federal agencies, and requires a separate EPA budget line item for the program.

What it means for you#

  • The EPA would create a new office focused on the Ohio River Basin and publish plans, updates, and annual reports online.
  • Eligible non-Federal recipients for grants include States, interstate or regional bodies, local or Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, colleges, and individuals who meet program requirements.
  • The program emphasizes nature-based and non-structural approaches when possible.
  • The Program Director must provide public notice and opportunity for comment on the program goals and action plan, and consult with Tribal Governments during planning.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes appropriations of $350,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
  • The EPA Administrator may transfer program funds to other federal agencies (with their concurrence) or enter interagency agreements to carry out activities.
  • The Administrator must include a separate budget line item for the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program in the EPA annual budget submission.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.