Environment

in committee · Ohio · House Nov 5, 2025

HB 572: Regards public water system use of certain treatment devices

To enact section 6109.041 of the Revised Code to allow a public water system to use point-of-use and point-of-entry treatment devices in certain circumstances.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill allows public water systems to use treatment devices, which generally improves water quality and aids in pollution control, thus supporting environmental protection.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 5, 2025

HJR 1: CA: Establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish

HJR 1 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Ohio's state constitution that establishes a fundamental right for residents to hunt and fish using traditional methods. This right would be subject only to laws and rules enacted by the Ohio General Assembly for wildlife conservation, management, and preserving hunting/fishing opportunities. The amendment would require voter approval at the next general election and would not override existing trespass or property laws. If passed, it would make hunting and fishing a constitutionally protected activity and the preferred method for managing wildlife in Ohio.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill establishes a right to hunt/fish subject to laws for wildlife conservation & management, ensuring environmental protection within this activity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 132: Enact the PRESERVE Act

To enact section 1509.023 of the Revised Code to prohibit the removal of oil or gas from under state lands via horizontal wells and to name this act the Protecting public Resources, Ecosystems, and Sensitive lands from Extraction, Violation, and Exploitation (PRESERVE) Act.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesThe bill prohibits oil or gas extraction from state lands, thereby limiting potential state revenue from leases, royalties, and taxes on such activities.75% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill prohibits oil and gas extraction via horizontal wells on state lands, directly restricting a method of energy production.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits oil/gas extraction from state lands, directly protecting natural resources and ecosystems from potential environmental harm.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Conservation

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in committee · Ohio · House May 21, 2025

HB 290: Enact the Atmosphere Protection Act

To enact section 2917.43 of the Revised Code to prohibit a person from engaging in solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, or sunlight reflection methods, and to name the act the Atmosphere Protection Act.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeThe bill creates new prohibitions, specifically criminalizing solar radiation modification, cloud seeding, or sunlight reflection methods, thereby expanding criminalization.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill, titled 'Atmosphere Protection Act,' prohibits solar radiation modification and cloud seeding, indicating a protective stance against these methods for environmental preservation.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyThe bill explicitly prohibits specific technological methods such as solar radiation modification and cloud seeding, thereby restricting certain technological applications.95% confidence

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passed · Ohio · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 2: Increase power generation; improve Ohio’s electric grid

SB 2 creates a tax exemption program for developers building on former coal mines or brownfield sites in Ohio, offering five years of property tax relief to encourage investment in these economically distressed areas. It also clarifies that small renewable energy projects (under 50 megawatts, like solar farms, wind farms, and biogas digesters) can be regulated by local zoning boards without changing their tax classification as public utilities. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and small renewable energy operators by streamlining approvals for these projects while preserving existing tax treatment. These changes aim to support grid reliability and affordability by facilitating new power generation in targeted communities.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesSB 2 creates a tax exemption program offering five years of property tax relief for developers, directly limiting immediate tax revenue for local governments.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergySB 2 aims to increase power generation, improve the electric grid, and clarifies regulation for small renewable energy projects, promoting investment in energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSB 2 encourages investment in brownfield redevelopment and clarifies regulation for small renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Electric Grid Renewable Energy Solar Hazardous Materials

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Oct 15, 2025

SB 285: Exempt certain conservation land from recoupment charges

SB 285 would exempt agricultural land converted to specific conservation uses from being required to repay the state for conservation program costs. It amends Ohio's Revised Code (section 5713.34) to remove recoupment charges for landowners who transition farmland to eligible conservation areas. This directly affects farmers and landowners who participate in conservation programs by eliminating a financial obligation they currently face. The policy change removes a reimbursement requirement, simplifying the process for converting agricultural land to conservation purposes under existing state programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesSB 285 eliminates state recoupment charges, directly reducing state revenue and impacting fiscal management by limiting available funds.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSB 285 removes recoupment charges for converting farmland to conservation uses, making conservation more financially viable and directly promoting natural resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Ohio · Senate May 7, 2025

SCR 11: Urge Congress to designate Buckeye Trail a National Scenic Trail

This resolution urges the United States Congress to designate the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. If Congress acts on this urging, the designation would recognize the trail's scenic, historical, and cultural importance at a national level, potentially affecting its management and public profile.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill urges the designation of a National Scenic Trail, which conserves natural resources and protects the environment by recognizing and managing a natural area.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes designation of a trail as National Scenic, enhancing infrastructure for sustainable, non-motorized transportation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Ohio · House Feb 26, 2025

HB 121: Declare certain natural gas producers are not public utilities

HB 121 defines "renewable natural gas" as biologically derived methane meeting pipeline standards and specifies that producers without on-site pipeline injection capability are not considered public utilities. This directly affects certain renewable natural gas producers who lack the infrastructure to connect directly to gas pipelines. The bill’s key mechanism reclassifies these producers out of the public utility regulatory framework by removing them from the definition of "public utility" under Ohio law. The change would exempt them from utility-specific regulations, such as rate oversight or service requirements, without altering their operational standards. The bill is currently in committee after introduction on February 24, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyHB 121 removes regulatory hurdles for certain renewable natural gas producers, thereby promoting the development and production of renewable energy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentHB 121 promotes renewable natural gas (biologically derived methane) by easing regulations for certain producers, which supports clean energy and reduces methane emissions from waste.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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in committee · Ohio · House Sep 15, 2025

HB 389: Eliminate additional registration fee for hybrid motor vehicles

HB 389 eliminates an extra registration fee currently charged for hybrid motor vehicles in Ohio. It directly affects owners of hybrid cars and light trucks who would no longer pay this additional cost on top of standard vehicle registration. The bill amends specific sections of Ohio's Revised Code to remove this fee requirement from the registration process. This change simplifies registration costs for hybrid vehicle owners without altering other registration rules.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesThe bill eliminates a state registration fee, directly reducing government revenue and thus weakening the state's budget and fiscal capacity.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyHB 389 eliminates an extra fee for hybrid vehicles, indirectly incentivizing their adoption and supporting increased energy efficiency in transportation.80% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentHB 389 eliminates an extra registration fee for hybrid vehicles. This implicitly supports their adoption by removing a financial barrier, which generally contributes to lower emissions and improved fuel economy.65% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationHB 389 eliminates an additional registration fee for hybrid vehicles. This action reduces a revenue source typically used to fund transportation infrastructure and services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Ohio · Senate Mar 19, 2025

SB 136: Establish process to regulate carbon capture, storage technology

To enact sections 1509.71, 1509.72, 1509.73, 1509.75, 1509.76, 1509.77, 1509.79, 5301.57, 5301.58, 5301.59, and 5301.60 of the Revised Code to establish a process to regulate carbon capture and storage technologies and the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide for long-term storage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyThe bill establishes a regulatory process for carbon capture and storage technology, which is integral to managing emissions from energy production and infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentThe bill establishes a regulatory process for carbon capture and storage, a technology aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and mitigating climate change, directly supporting environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a regulatory process for carbon capture and storage technology, which facilitates its responsible deployment and advancement within the 'Technology' topic area.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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