(July 1, 2025) -- “Ohio’s water quality is trending in the right direction thanks to H2Ohio, our flagship clean water program. Yesterday, Governor Mike DeWine signed the state budget into law and vetoed language that would prohibit H2Ohio dollars from being used to purchase land or conservation easements—voluntary agreements that limit the use of land to conserve and protect it.
Audubon applauds the Governor for protecting this important provision of H2Ohio. Land acquisition and conservation easements have helped to make H2Ohio a success, helping to restore or enhance over 16,000 acres of wetlands that keep our water clean and provide habitat for some of our most vulnerable birds.
We are disappointed that the budget, advanced by state lawmakers, will dramatically cut funding for H2Ohio by nearly 40 % overall.
H2Ohio is making progress to address the biggest threats facing Ohio’s water. The recent Harmful Algal Bloom forecast shows a positive trend of lower amounts of phosphorus entering Lake Erie in recent years. Now is not the time to roll back clean water protections. We look forward to continuing to work with Ohio legislators on policy solutions that support clean water for all that depend on it across the state.
The state budget also includes $200,000 for educational programming at Audubon’s two Ohio centers: Aullwood Audubon in Dayton and Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus. We thank Governor DeWine and champions of the funding Sen. Stephen Huffman (R-Tipp City), Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), Rep. Phil Plumber (R-Dayton) and Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus). This investment will help ensure that quality nature-based education and meaningful outdoor experiences remain accessible to communities across Ohio.”
About Audubon Great Lakes
Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.
The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety
