Environment (Parks & Recreation)

in committee · Ohio · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SB 453: Prohibit PFAS chemicals, lead in playground surfacing materials

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits toxic PFAS chemicals and lead in playgrounds, directly reducing pollution and protecting public health and the environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Parks & Recreation

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passed · Ohio · Senate Jun 16, 2026

SB 398: Create the Adopt a Trail Program

This bill creates the Adopt a Trail Program to allow volunteer groups to help maintain and improve trails on state-owned land. Under the program, approved volunteer groups can perform tasks such as spring cleanup, litter collection, accessibility improvements, and trail maintenance after applying to and receiving approval from the state division of parks and watercraft. The program requires volunteer groups to commit for at least two years, ensures all participants are at least eighteen years old, and prohibits activities that would reduce state employee hours or violate labor agreements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates volunteer program to maintain trails, collect litter, and improve accessibility on state land, directly supporting environmental conservation and natural resource protection.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates Adopt a Trail Program to improve trail maintenance and accessibility on state land, supporting non-motorized transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Recycling

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SCR 17: Support the creation of a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

This bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that expresses support for creating a U.S. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connecting the eight Great Lakes states. It encourages Ohio agencies and regional planning organizations to coordinate with other states on developing a shared identity for this recreational trail. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send copies to Ohio news media. This measure does not allocate funding or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal statement of legislative support for the trail project.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes conservation and recreation along Great Lakes waterfront, supporting environmental protection and natural resource preservation through trail development.70% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill supports creating a recreational trail connecting Great Lakes states, promoting transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 641: Enact the Trails and Tails Act

To require the Department of Natural Resources to conduct two comprehensive studies on elk reintroduction and side-by-side trail expansion, to name this act the Trails and Tails Act, and to make an appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly makes an appropriation for environmental studies and trail expansion, directly funding state programs under budget authority.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds studies on elk reintroduction (conservation) and trail expansion (natural resource management), directly addressing environmental protection through appropriation and designated subjects.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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passed · Ohio · Senate Nov 4, 2025

SR 216: Honoring the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft on receiving the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Honoring the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft on receiving the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill honors the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft for excellence in managing natural resources, implicitly supporting conservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 402: Declare Cleveland Metroparks as Ohio's Emerald Necklace

HB 402 formally declares Cleveland Metroparks as "Ohio's Emerald Necklace" under Section 5.092 of the Revised Code. This ceremonial bill does not change park operations or funding; it simply assigns a symbolic designation to the park system for recognition and promotional purposes. The designation directly affects how the park system is officially referenced in state communications.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill symbolically designates a major park system ('Ohio's Emerald Necklace') for recognition and promotion, implicitly valuing natural resources and conservation.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · Senate May 7, 2025

SCR 11: Urge Congress to designate Buckeye Trail a National Scenic Trail

This resolution urges the United States Congress to designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. If Congress acts on this urging, the designation would recognize the trail's scenic, historical, and cultural importance at a national level, potentially affecting its management and public profile.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill urges the designation of a National Scenic Trail, which conserves natural resources and protects the environment by recognizing and managing a natural area.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes designation of a trail as National Scenic, enhancing infrastructure for sustainable, non-motorized transportation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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passed both · Ohio · House Feb 11, 2026

HCR 13: Urge Congress to designate Buckeye Trail a National Scenic Trail

HCR 13 is a resolution urging Congress to formally designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The bill does not create new law but requests federal action to recognize this 1,300-mile hiking trail, which runs through Ohio, as part of the National Scenic Trail System. It directly affects Ohio's trail system and potential federal management, though it has no binding effect on Congress. The key mechanism is a formal recommendation sent to the U.S. Congress, not a policy change enacted by Ohio. This is a procedural request, not a legislative action.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill urges designation of a National Scenic Trail, which conserves natural resources and promotes environmental protection through federal recognition and potential management.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges designation of a 1,300-mile hiking trail, strengthening pedestrian infrastructure and promoting active/sustainable transportation.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 399: Prohibit oil and gas removal from under Lake Erie or a state park

To amend section 1505.07 and to enact section 1509.023 of the Revised Code to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under Lake Erie or a state park.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill prohibits oil and gas removal in specific areas, directly restricting a form of energy production within the defined 'Energy' topic.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill prohibits oil and gas removal from under Lake Erie or a state park, directly protecting these natural resources and their environments from potential harm.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 71: Require certain info disclosure for wells drilled in state parks

To enact section 1509.101 of the Revised Code to require horizontal oil and gas well owners that drill in state parks to disclose the chemical components of the materials used in the drilling operation.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill requires disclosure for oil and gas wells, adding regulatory burden and limiting operational freedom for a specific type of energy production.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires disclosure of chemical components used in drilling in state parks, enhancing transparency for environmental protection and pollution control.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Parks & Recreation

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