Rep. Brent condemns the signing of HB 175

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) issued a statement today following the signing of House Bill (HB) 175 into law. HB 175 will deregulate ephemeral water features, harming Ohio’s water quality and undoing the progress made by H2Ohio, a program that works to improve water quality in the state. 

“Protecting Ohio’s water is one of our number one priorities,” said Rep. Brent. “This is a walking contradiction that benefits big corporations and is harmful to the environment. H2Ohio spends more than $800 million to combat water quality issues, but now, with a policy like this on the books, this money is being wasted.” 

Ephemeral streams are pools or streams of water, which appear after rain or snow. Currently, ephemeral streams are protected by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). HB 175 would no longer require the EPA to issue permits for impacts on ephemeral streams, meaning discharging sewage and pollutants into them would not be prohibited. 

HB 175 will take effect in 90 days.