Environment (Recycling)

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.

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.

To enact section 3710.30 of the Revised Code to allow a person to use recycled asphalt roofing shingles for construction purposes so long as the shingles do not contain asbestos.

SB 294 defines key energy terms for Ohio's policy, including "affordable energy source" (excluding advanced nuclear), "reliable energy source" (requiring 50% capacity and grid stability), and "clean energy source" (including nuclear and natural gas). It mandates that all utility facility applications prioritize affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources while requiring domestic production for non-nuclear energy and minimizing reliance on foreign adversary nations for critical materials. The bill directly affects utility companies seeking facility permits by setting these requirements for energy sourcing and infrastructure. It establishes these definitions and policies for future energy siting decisions without creating new regulatory requirements.

To amend sections 343.01, 343.011, 343.012, 343.022, 343.08, 3714.07, 3714.073, 3734.521, 3734.53, 3734.56, 3734.57, and 3734.574 and to enact section 3734.522 of the Revised Code to make changes to the laws governing the transfer and disposal of solid waste and construction and demolition debris and to provide for new procedures governing a county's withdrawal from a joint solid waste management district.

To amend section 151.40 and to enact sections 122.65, 122.651, 122.652, 122.653, 122.654, 122.655, 122.657, 122.658, and 122.659 of the Revised Code to restore the Clean Ohio Fund to be administered by the Department of Development and the Clean Ohio Council.