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TNC urges Ohio Legislature to fully fund H2Ohio

Proposed budget will cripple Ohio’s ability to protect water quality, address chronic harmful algal blooms

June 12, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio

aerial view of a lakeside community.
Great Lakes Algal bloom in the western basin of Lake Erie. © NASA

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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) today called on members of the Ohio Legislature to fully fund the H2Ohio program and continue a vital investment in the state’s water quality and infrastructure.

“If H2Ohio isn’t fully funded, it will cripple our state’s ability to address the chronic harmful algal blooms that plague our waterways, including Lake Erie, and the outdoor recreation economy it supports,” said Bill Stanley, state director for TNC in Ohio. “We are urging the Legislature to restore funding to this critical program and are encouraging Ohioans to contact your local lawmaker and tell them to fully fund H2Ohio.” 

Ohioans can visit TNC’s Action Center to contact their local legislator and voice their concerns with cuts in H2Ohio’s funding.

The proposed budget, currently before a legislative conference committee, calls for cutting as much as $120 million from the program, or 45% of its funding. This would slash critical state funding for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure projects across Ohio at a time when our communities need more support, not less.  

The drastic reduction in funding would also hamper the state’s use of conservation easements, a key tool in ensuring natural areas throughout Ohio are protected for future generations to enjoy. 

Fully funding the H2Ohio program helps achieve a clean Lake Erie, as well as provide safe and clean drinking water for all Ohioans by: 

  • Helping farmers implement voluntary best management practices to improve soil health and reduce polluted runoff from farm fields by keeping nutrients in the ground and crops and out of the water.

  • Creating, restoring and enhancing wetlands, which filter out chemicals and nutrients, making our waters safer and cleaner.  

  • Improving community drinking water and wastewater infrastructure by replacing failing home sewage treatment systems and replacing lead service lines. Updating Ohio’s drinking water infrastructure is estimated to cost $30 billion over the next 20 years. 

“H2Ohio has been a win-win for people and nature throughout Ohio,” said Mary Turocy, policy director for TNC in Ohio. “We urge the Legislature to fully fund the H2Ohio program to protect our drinking water, strengthen our economy and keep our communities healthy and safe.” 

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.