Ohio Senate hears urgent appeals to protect H2Ohio funding amid proposed cuts

Ohio's Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss critical funding issues affecting the state's environmental initiatives and agricultural programs. A key focus of the meeting was the H2Ohio initiative, which aims to enhance water quality and ecological restoration across the state.

During the session, Chris McGovern, CEO of an environmental remediation contractor, urged the committee to reject a proposed 44% cut to H2Ohio's funding. He emphasized that the initiative supports real jobs and ecological projects, such as wetland restoration and river cleanup, which are vital for maintaining clean water and protecting Ohio's natural resources. McGovern highlighted that cuts to this funding would not only jeopardize ongoing projects but also threaten the livelihoods of skilled workers in the environmental sector.

Evan Erickson, representing Ducks Unlimited, echoed these concerns, advocating for the continuation of robust funding for H2Ohio. He noted that the program has become a leading conservation effort in the country, benefiting both wildlife and local economies. Erickson pointed out that for every million dollars spent on wetland conservation, 17 jobs are supported, underscoring the program's economic impact.

Connor Cabe from Growmark Incorporated raised alarms about the agricultural component of H2Ohio, stressing the importance of consistent funding levels to ensure farmers can effectively participate in nutrient management practices. He warned that uncertainty in funding could deter farmers from adopting environmentally beneficial practices, particularly in a challenging economic climate.

The discussions highlighted a consensus among stakeholders on the necessity of maintaining and potentially increasing funding for H2Ohio to ensure continued progress in environmental protection and agricultural sustainability. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial for the future of Ohio's water quality initiatives and the economic stability of those reliant on these programs.