Ohio River Restoration Program Act of 2026

This bill establishes the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to improve water quality, restore ecosystems, and enhance resilience across the Ohio River Basin. It directly affects the 14 states in the basin (including Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania) and Tribal Governments within the region, authorizing $350 million annually from 2027-2031 for projects. Key mechanisms include creating an EPA Program Office led by a Director, requiring measurable goals for water quality and habitat restoration, and mandating public reporting on progress, projects, and funding. The program prioritizes natural infrastructure solutions, such as restoring wetlands and floodplains, and requires collaboration with states, tribes, and existing regional bodies like the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission.