States Vote to Dismantle Regional Clean Water Protections for Ohio River, Overturning 60-year Precedent

Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 7:26 PM

By National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation blasts decision to abandon river-wide standards with regional oversight and allow state actions that could undermine the health of people, fish, wildlife.

Clean water protections for the Ohio River are being dissolved by the entity charged with overseeing the health of the river, after a dramatic vote today that overturns 60 years of cooperative oversight of the 981-mile river that provides drinking water to more than 5 million people. The National Wildlife Federation has staunchly opposed the withdrawal from regional standards that have been the safeguards for ensuring individual states cannot cause harm to downstream stretches of the 981 mile long Ohio River.

“Today’s action is a punch to the gut to the 5 million people who depend on the Ohio River for their drinking water,” said Gail Hesse, water program director for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. “With many of our cities and towns living with unsafe drinking water, now is not the time to pull back from the regional pollution control standards that have provided the framework for regional cooperation and agreement on pollution limits. This can only lead to a race to the bottom that threatens our environment, economy, and public health.”

During the public comment period on the rule, more than 4,000 people spoke out in opposition to the proposal to dissolve clean water protections. Only 9 supported it.

The Ohio River continues to face serious threats from sewage contamination, toxic pollution, and farm runoff—problems that have led to drinking water restrictions, fish consumption advisories, and restrictions on swimming and other outdoor recreation. New threats such as toxic PFAS are emerging.

The re-interpretation of the 60-year-old compact will make it optional for states to adopt regional clean water protections—which is tantamount to eliminating them.

“States voting to dissolve regional clean water protections are neglecting their responsibility to protect the health of the entire length of the river and the people who call the Ohio River Valley home,” said Hesse. “This is a monumental step in the wrong direction.”

More from Local News

Events

Local News

USPS Reminds Public Fireworks Don't Belong in the Mail

Fireworks are considered hazardous materials and are banned from all air and ground transportation.

JD Shelburne to Debut at the Grand Ole Opry

Taylorsville Kentucky Native with ties to Madison

Local Sports

Hanover parks department results uesday July 1, 2025

More exciting action coming up Wednesday night at Hanover park and Sw hs softball field INTRO TO TEEBALL, GIRLS COACH PITCH, BOYS COACH PITCH, GIRLS MACHINE PITCH, BOYS MACHINE PITCH

Hanover Parks Results for June 30,2025

More exciting action coming up Tuesday night (July 1) at Hanover park BOYS INSTRUCTIONAL, GIRLS COACH PITCH (TOURNEY ACTION), GIRLS MACHINE PITCH, BOYS MACHINE PITCH

Hanover Park Results for Saturday June 28th

More exciting action coming up Monday night (weather permitting) at Hanover park and SW high school softball field