Senate agriculture committee approves governorappointments, hears Ohio EPA nominee John Logue

The Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted to approve a group of governorappointed candidates and to forward the slate to the Committee on Rules and Reference after brief introductions.

Chair Schafer read a list of appointees for the committee, including nominees to the State Emergency Response Commission, State Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, Ohio Thoroughbred Race Fund Advisory Council and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. John Logue, Governor DeWine's nominee for director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, introduced himself to the committee and summarized his background, saying he was "born and raised in Youngstown," earned a bachelor's degree in economics from John Carroll University and an MBA from Cleveland State University, and most recently led roles at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Logue described priorities he would bring to Ohio EPA, including "strengthening innovation and partnerships, encouraging economic growth, collaborating with businesses, local governments, and all stakeholder groups" and a customer-focused approach to responsiveness and permitting. "I'm committed to building on the great work already underway and ensuring that our efforts continue to deliver meaningful, measurable results for the people of our state," he said.

Following introductions, Vice Chair Kaler moved to approve the governor's appointments and to report them to the Committee on Rules and Reference. The clerk called the roll; the committee recorded a 6-0 tally in favor and the chair noted the roll would be held open until 5 p.m. for those checked in and not present.

Committee members asked no substantive questions of the nominees at that time. The committee concluded the appointments portion of the agenda and moved on to the next bills on the docket.