U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) have introduced the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, a bill designed to address water quality, transportation, economic development, and ecological health in the Ohio River Basin. The legislation proposes the creation of an Ohio River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This office would coordinate efforts among states, local governments, Tribal nations, and nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that benefit communities along the river.
“The Ohio River is vital to southern Indiana’s economy, ecosystem, and supply of drinking water,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation would establish a non-regulatory restoration program and provide needed federal support to protect the Ohio River. This bill also would help restore Indiana’s rivers – like the White and Wabash – that flow downstream into the Ohio. Congress should pass this bill to preserve the Ohio River Basin for generations to come.”
Senator Fetterman stated, “As I’ve always said, access to clean drinking water is a right that everyone deserves – including communities that have long been marginalized and forgotten. Not only will the bill help protect this vital resource, but it will also push the government to carry out other initiatives to help support farm conservation efforts and homeowner support. I’m proud to introduce the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with Senator Young so we do right by the American people.”
The Ohio River Basin covers 204,000 square miles across 15 states and provides drinking water for millions of people. The river itself stretches 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through southern Indiana to Cairo, Illinois.
If enacted, the legislation would allow for coordinated efforts led by the EPA focused on improving conditions throughout the basin.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03).
The measure has received endorsements from various organizations including environmental groups such as National Wildlife Federation and American Rivers.
Senator Young represents Indiana in the Senate where he serves on committees related to finance, commerce, science and transportation, small business, and intelligence. He has worked on issues impacting communities such as affordable housing and veterans’ support according to his official website. He has also sponsored laws like the CHIPS and Science Act aimed at strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as noted on his website. Young holds degrees from institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer per his official biography.
The full text of the bill is available online.
