Ohio House Bill HB519

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/24

Caption

Restore the Clean Ohio Fund and provide for its administration

Impact

This bill has significant implications for state laws related to environmental management and local development. By restoring the Clean Ohio Fund, it reinstates a source of financial support for communities looking to rehabilitate hazardous sites previously deemed unsuitable for development. The grant and loan provisions enable local entities to undertake clean-up efforts without bearing the full financial burden, which is particularly beneficial for municipalities and non-profits. Furthermore, the bill mandates that a portion of the fund’s allocation is geared towards public health projects, thereby intertwining environmental integrity with community health focuses.

Summary

House Bill 519 seeks to amend and enact several sections of the Ohio Revised Code, specifically to restore and revitalize the Clean Ohio Fund. The bill aims to facilitate the cleanup and remediation of brownfields across Ohio, allowing for grants and loans to be provided to eligible projects. It establishes a framework for administering funds, prioritizing applications that not only address environmental concerns but also offer economic benefits to local communities. The Clean Ohio Council will oversee the allocation of these funds under guidelines detailed in the proposed legislation.

Contention

Despite its apparent benefits, HB 519 has drawn criticism regarding the extent and manner of state involvement in local cleanup initiatives. Some stakeholders are concerned that the bill concentrates too much authority within state mechanisms and might not adequately address specific local needs or priorities. Others fear it could fall short in effectively monitoring and ensuring compliance with cleanup standards, potentially allowing unaddressed environmental hazards to linger longer than necessary. The reliance on grants and loans could also raise questions about fiscal accountability and long-term sustainability of such projects post-implementation.