State News
Ohio
Statehouse Update
In July, Governor Kasich signed an executive order to initiate aggressive new action by state agencies and their partners to further reduce nutrient runoff from watersheds in Lake Erie’s western basin. The Administration has pushed for action from the Legislatures over the last few years to put forth policy as a means to address the harmful algal blooms that have long plagued the western end of the lake. The surprising announcement drew the ire of many commodities groups, including the Farm Bureau, who felt the order sidestepped critical input from the agriculture community itself and more conversation needed to occur first.
In lieu of the Governor’s executive order, the Ohio Soil and Water Conversation Commission, by a count of 4-2, voted to send the Governor’s proposal to subcommittee for further consideration, which OSWCC Chairperson Tom Price said could take from six to nine months. Those voting against the motion were the commission’s two newest members -- Kathryn Bartter and Bethany Gibson -- appointed by Gov. John Kasich last week. Those voting in favor were William Knapke, Kent Stuckey, Etta Reed and Fred Cash. The chair only votes in the event of a tie.
During the meeting, commissioners seemed to be open to approving the language until ODAg attorneys clarified that if OSWCC took that action, agricultural enterprises operating in the eight targeted watersheds would immediately be subject to “watersheds in distress” provisions currently in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) that now apply to Grand Lake St. Mary’s. After hearing that piece of information, the consensus was that it would be inappropriate to subject farmers to new restrictions that quickly without warning.
The Ohio Senate and House also set up a joint working group committee to study the issue over the next few months.
Please send any feedback on current legislation or legislative ideas to Kristin Mullins.
In July, Governor Kasich signed an executive order to initiate aggressive new action by state agencies and their partners to further reduce nutrient runoff from watersheds in Lake Erie’s western basin. The Administration has pushed for action from the Legislatures over the last few years to put forth policy as a means to address the harmful algal blooms that have long plagued the western end of the lake. The surprising announcement drew the ire of many commodities groups, including the Farm Bureau, who felt the order sidestepped critical input from the agriculture community itself and more conversation needed to occur first.
In lieu of the Governor’s executive order, the Ohio Soil and Water Conversation Commission, by a count of 4-2, voted to send the Governor’s proposal to subcommittee for further consideration, which OSWCC Chairperson Tom Price said could take from six to nine months. Those voting against the motion were the commission’s two newest members -- Kathryn Bartter and Bethany Gibson -- appointed by Gov. John Kasich last week. Those voting in favor were William Knapke, Kent Stuckey, Etta Reed and Fred Cash. The chair only votes in the event of a tie.
During the meeting, commissioners seemed to be open to approving the language until ODAg attorneys clarified that if OSWCC took that action, agricultural enterprises operating in the eight targeted watersheds would immediately be subject to “watersheds in distress” provisions currently in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) that now apply to Grand Lake St. Mary’s. After hearing that piece of information, the consensus was that it would be inappropriate to subject farmers to new restrictions that quickly without warning.
The Ohio Senate and House also set up a joint working group committee to study the issue over the next few months.
Please send any feedback on current legislation or legislative ideas to Kristin Mullins.