DeWine Proposes Bonds to Fund H2Ohio Water Initiative

Northeast Ohio leaders call for continued EPA funding and support for clean water program.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has proposed a bond issue to provide ongoing funding for the state's H2Ohio water quality initiative. Local advocates in Northeast Ohio are urging residents to contact their representatives in support of the bond measure and to maintain funding for the EPA, which plays a critical role in protecting the region's air, water, and soil.

Why it matters

H2Ohio has made important investments to improve water quality in Ohio, and allowing this program to lapse would risk losing the progress that has been made. Continued EPA funding is also essential to safeguarding the environment in Northeast Ohio and across the state.

The details

DeWine's proposed bond issue would provide a dedicated funding source to sustain the H2Ohio program, which works with farmers to implement best practices that reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality. Mary Kelsey of the Northeast Ohio Climate Hope Affiliates is calling on residents to contact their state representatives and senators to express support for the bond measure and to ensure the EPA maintains its mission of protecting the region's air, water, and soil.

  • On March 6, 2026, Governor DeWine announced plans for a statewide bond issue to fund the H2Ohio program.
  • Northeast Ohio representatives recently voted to continue funding the EPA.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who has proposed a bond issue to fund the H2Ohio water quality initiative.

Mary Kelsey

A member of the Northeast Ohio Climate Hope Affiliates who is urging residents to support continued funding for H2Ohio and the EPA.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited that Gov. Mike DeWine proposes a bond issue to continue funding H2Ohio, supporting farmers to help keep our lake clean and the water we drink.”

— Mary Kelsey (cleveland.com)

“Likewise, now that all of our Northeast Ohio representatives have voted to continue funding of the EPA, we, from the Northeast Ohio Climate Hope Affiliates urge readers keep attention on the critical importance of the water we drink as well as our air and soil, which is what the EPA is supposed to protect.”

— Mary Kelsey (cleveland.com)

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