Environment

To enact section 6109.041 of the Revised Code to allow a public water system to use point-of-use and point-of-entry treatment devices in certain circumstances.

To enact sections 3745.75, 3745.751, 3745.752, 3745.753, 3745.754, 3745.755, 3745.756, and 3745.757 of the Revised Code to prohibit the use of PFAS chemicals and lead in playground surfacing materials.

To urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review and reconsider certain rules that impact our country's energy security and Ohio's small conventional oil and gas operators.

To amend section 6111.09 of the Revised Code to impose increased civil penalties for repeat violations of certain rules pertaining to using, placing, or managing dredged material.

This resolution from the Ohio General Assembly urges Congress to reform federal permitting and environmental review processes to speed up the construction of new energy infrastructure. It specifically calls for changes to laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Clean Water Act to reduce delays that currently hinder projects such as power lines, pipelines, and generation facilities. The bill also requests better timelines and data for federal agencies and suggests limiting the use of courts to block projects. While the resolution does not create new laws itself, it formally asks federal lawmakers to prioritize legislation that would make it faster and cheaper to build domestic energy systems.

HB 954 amends state laws to create specific definitions for renewable biomass and related terms, such as agricultural materials, forestry products, and waste byproducts. The bill directly affects industries involved in manufacturing, agriculture, and waste management by clarifying what materials qualify as renewable biomass for regulatory purposes. Key provisions include defining forest thinnings and sustainably managed forests while explicitly excluding certain hazardous or non-compliant materials from these categories. Additionally, the legislation updates the definition of solid waste disposal to clarify that storing renewable biomass feedstocks before conversion is not considered illegal dumping.

To urge the Congress of the United States to enact the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to bring clean water, enhanced fish and aquatic wildlife, economic benefits, expanded recreation opportunities, and public health protections to Ohio.

To enact section 3704.142 of the Revised Code to eliminate E-Check if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determines that Ohio is in attainment with specified ambient air quality standards.

To amend section 6111.041 and to enact section 6109.26 of the Revised Code to require the Director of Environmental Protection to adopt rules establishing maximum allowable contaminant levels in drinking water and water quality standards for certain contaminants.

To enact section 3701.68 of the Revised Code to require the Director of Health to establish an information and awareness program for mold, lead, radon, and carbon monoxide and to name this act the Healthy Homes Program Act.