The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has passed a concurrent resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the Ohio River Restoration Program Act. This initiative aims to address significant environmental and public health challenges facing the Ohio River, which is a vital waterway for 30 million people across 15 states. The resolution highlights the river's economic importance, noting that maritime commerce generates billions in revenue and that the natural ecosystems in the Ohio River Basin provide substantial public benefits. However, the river has been designated as America's second most endangered river due to issues such as water quality degradation, toxic contamination, and flooding, which pose risks to public health and safety.

The resolution supports two specific pieces of legislation, H.R. 5966 and S. 3796, which have garnered bipartisan support in Congress. These bills aim to create the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program, focusing on improving water quality, enhancing flood resiliency, restoring natural habitats, and providing better public access and recreational opportunities. The General Assembly believes that the successful implementation of this program will lead to cleaner drinking water, economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and overall better health outcomes for Ohio residents. The resolution calls for the Clerk of the House to send copies to Ohio's Congressional delegation to advocate for the passage of this important legislation.