Rep. Roemer Applauds Proposed Elimination of E-Check In Northeast Ohio

State Representative Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) is proud to announce that the Ohio EPA will be submitting a proposal to the U.S. EPA to eliminate E-Check in the seven Northeast Ohio Counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Summit, Lorain, Medina, Lake, and Portage.

“After eight years of working diligently on this topic, I am so pleased to make this announcement for Northeast Ohioans,” said Roemer. “Now that the seven counties are in attainment for air quality, I feel more confident that the U.S. EPA will grant Ohio’s request to end this burden on working families across the region. We spend over $12 million on E-Check each year, and now those dollars can be redirected to other important programs across the state.” 

Starting early next week, there will be a 30-day public comment period on the proposal to end E-Check, followed by a public meeting in November to allow for additional input from residents and stakeholders. After the public comment period ends, the Ohio EPA will submit its request to the U.S. EPA by the end of 2026.

Representative Roemer has championed numerous bills and initiatives over the last eight years that have worked to address concerns with the E-Check Program. These items include the following:

• H.B. 814 – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Roemer, which works to eliminate E-Check if Ohio meets certain quality standards - April 2026
• Sponsored the E-Check Ease Act included in the State of Ohio Transportation Budget – April 2025
• Encouraged constituents to participate in the public comment period on proposed changes, subsequent U.S. EPA rejection, and continued ongoing discussions with Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA leadership – December 2025
• Authored a letter to the Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel, urging the elimination of E-Check in Northeast Ohio - recognizing air quality improvements - July 2023 
• H.R. 56 – Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal Government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act to eliminate the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted June 2021
• H.R. 247 – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal Government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act by eliminating the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted February 2020 
• Called for a comprehensive examination of E-Check: assessing its effectiveness, costs, and impact on Northeast Ohio residents – June 2019