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Environmental Review Appeals Commission seeks $1.54 million across biennium, highlights e-filing upgrades
Summary
Melissa Schilling told the committee the Environmental Review Appeals Commission requests $745,000 for FY2026 and $795,000 for FY2027 to maintain quasi-judicial operations and complete planned upgrades to its e-filing and docketing systems.
Melissa Schilling, chair of the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, told the House Natural Resources Committee the commission’s biannual budget request is intended to sustain the commission’s small staff and ongoing IT modernization.
"The Environmental Review Appeals Commission has exclusive original jurisdiction over specified final actions taken by the director of Ohio EPA, the director of the Department of Agriculture, State Fire Marshal, State Emergency Response Commission, and approved county and local boards of health," Schilling said. She explained the commission is a three-member body appointed by the governor and described its quasi‑judicial role and direct appeal path to the courts of appeals.
Schilling said the commission’s docket reflected 64 cases at the time of testimony and that the commission had no backlog of cases awaiting decision. She described the commission’s work as legally and technically complex, noting final opinions often run 30 to more than 100 pages and that the commission conducts de novo hearings or appellate-style reviews depending on the record below. Schilling said the commission staff consists of an executive director and a program administrator/staff attorney.
The commission requested $745,000 for state fiscal year 2026 and $795,000 for state fiscal year 2027. Schilling said the commission is a one-line-item agency funded solely from the General Revenue Fund and that the budget would support required personnel costs and continued work on IT security and e-filing upgrades. "We are now in the process of upgrading these systems to enhance security and further streamline functionality," she said.
Schilling described earlier digital reforms, including e‑filing implemented in 2018, and argued ongoing maintenance is essential to preserve secure, 24/7 access for regulated entities and the public. No formal committee action on the commission’s budget request was recorded during the hearing.
After her testimony the committee offered no questions during this portion of the hearing, and Schilling concluded by offering to respond to any follow-ups.
