Senate Bill 2, the Ohio General Assembly’s environmental protection legislation, was sent to Governor John Kasich for his signature last week, the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) said in its latest announcement.
“Senate Bill 2 will continue efforts by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen policies and regulations that will improve the quality of Lake Erie and other key water channels throughout the state,” said the GCP’s release.
The bill will also strengthen requirements for the disposal and safe use of dredged materials from federal navigation channels and connected maritime port facilities. This provision is beneficial for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority, said GCP.
“We are pleased to see this legislation go to the governor, and we look forward to him signing it,” said Marty McGann, the GCP’s senior vice president of advocacy.
“Focusing on the quality of our Great Lakes is more important than ever. Senate Bill 2 is a vital tool to support this focus.”
GCP works closely with the port to advocate for timely and consistent dredging along the Cuyahoga River, an important water channel for international businesses shipping goods in and out of Cleveland.