More than 120 organizations are calling on Congress to pass the bipartisan Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which aims to restore ecosystems and improve water quality throughout the Ohio River Basin.
Legislation Details
The legislation was first introduced in December 2025 by Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat, and Indiana Rep. Erin Houchin, a Republican, along with 13 cosponsors. If passed, the bill would establish an Ohio River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate restoration efforts across the 15 states that rely on the Ohio.
Supporters say the program would bring federal funding to help improve water quality, restore ecosystems, expand recreational opportunities, and strengthen local economies. The organizations highlighted several ongoing threats to the basin, including toxic pollution, sewage contamination, runoff, and habitat loss.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
