Hite introduces bill continuing efforts to ensure clean drinking water in Ohio

COLUMBUS — State Sen. Cliff Hite, R-Findlay, recently introduced legislation that continues Ohio’s efforts to fight toxic algae and ensure clean drinking water for all Ohioans.

“This science-based, holistic legislation takes further steps to help protect one of our most precious natural resources,” Hite said. “I appreciate the partnership of the agriculture and environmental communities in crafting this   important piece of legislation.”

Senate Bill 2 enhances the role of the Lake Erie Commission in meeting Ohio’s commitments in reducing phosphorus run-off by 40 percent, as outlined in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Hite said this legislation better equips the commission as it works to implement the Lake Erie Protection and Restoration Strategy.

Other provisions of Senate Bill 2 include:

• Assures thorough management of privately owned water systems.
• Requires ongoing asset management improvements by public water systems to address recurrent problems.
• Harmonizes federal and state law, allowing the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director to issue permits for entities discharging into privately owned treatment facilities.
• Encourages beneficial use of dredged materials from federal navigation channels such as Port Cleveland and Port Toledo.
• Strengthens the Ohio EPA’s ability to evaluate and enforce the clean up of landfill facilities and properties. The bill also updates state requirements pertaining to construction and demolition debris to ensure safe processing, storage and disposal of materials.
• Provides the Ohio EPA Director authority to waive, transfer and revoke or modify a 401 Water Quality Certification. Ohio law currently only allows the Director to approve or deny a certification.

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof also recently named Hite to chair the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture for his fourth consecutive term. He will also take the reins as chair of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education, which will support the full Senate Finance Committee in developing plans to ensure that Ohio’s     schools receive adequate funding.

Hite represents the 1st Ohio Senate District, which encompasses all or parts of Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Logan, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Williams counties.