Sponsors (2)
The bill directs substantial federal investment and coordinated action to restore the Ohio River Basin—improving water quality, resilience, and tribal engagement—but requires ongoing federal spending, new administration, and may impose coordination requirements and project limits that affect local sponsors and commercial navigation.
State and local governments, nonprofits, and communities across the Ohio River Basin will receive ~$350 million per year in federal funding to plan, design, and implement basin restoration projects.
Rural and urban communities and local governments in the Ohio River Basin will get coordinated federal projects and funding to improve water quality and ecological conditions across the whole basin.
Homeowners, local governments, and rural communities will benefit from prioritized nature-based and flood/storm resilience projects that reduce flood risk and protect property and infrastructure.
Taxpayers nationwide will face increased federal outlays of about $350 million per year, which could add to budget pressures or crowd out other federal priorities.
State, local, and nonprofit project sponsors may face additional federal requirements or coordination constraints when receiving grants or aligning with the basin action plan, adding complexity and potential delays.
Transportation workers and commercial shippers could be affected if some infrastructure or navigation projects are limited or altered to meet ecological goals, potentially reducing shipping efficiency or increasing costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes an EPA Ohio River Basin Restoration Program and Program Office with a Program Director, advisory council, planning duties, and authority to coordinate grants and agreements for basin restoration.
Official title: Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish an Ohio River Basin Restoration Program, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 5, 2026 by John Karl Fetterman · Last progress February 5, 2026
Creates a new EPA Ohio River Basin Restoration Program and an Ohio River National Program Office led by a Program Director to coordinate federal and nonfederal actions to protect and restore the Ohio River Basin. The program must develop and publish an action plan, form an advisory council with state, tribal, and regional representatives, facilitate Tribal engagement, enter partnership agreements, and report annually to Congress on progress and grant activity. The measure defines key terms, lists the 15 Ohio River States for program scope, requires public posting of plans and updates, and authorizes the Program Director to make grants and transfer funds through agreements with federal and nonfederal entities to carry out basin restoration goals.