PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE ERIN HOUCHIN, 9th DISTRICT OF INDIANA INSTALLED AS CO-CHAIR OF OHIO RIVER BASIN CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS
Indianapolis, Indiana, May 16, 2024 – “I am honored to serve as co-chair of the Ohio River Caucus, representing the vital interests of Southern Indiana. The Ohio River is not only a lifeline for commerce and industry but a symbol of our region’s rich history and potential for growth. As co-chair, I am committed to advocating for policies that promote economic prosperity and conservation along the Ohio River and beyond,” said Rep. Houchin.
Congresswoman Erin Houchin, 9th District of Indiana was recently installed as co-chair of the Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus.
The Ohio River drains more than 80% of Indiana’s waterways and is home to about 30 million people – more than 8 percent of the United States’ population. Yet, the region doesn’t receive the attention given other regions such as the Mississippi River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. With 55 Congressional districts in 14 states covering the basin.
The caucus was founded on October 21, 2009, by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. Steve Driehaus to unite all members of Congress whose districts reside within the Ohio River Basin to work together to resolve issues faced by their constituents.
The caucus was formed in conjunction with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, which is an organization that was formed by multiple state governments to manage and maintain the environmental quality of the Ohio River Valley.
The caucus is tasked with raising awareness of the Ohio River Valley and highlighting the river’s impact on the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Major goals of the caucus will include securing funding for environmental restoration and cleanup, educational outreach, as well as discussing how pending legislation will affect the Ohio River Basin.
The Indiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation plan to continue to raise awareness around the plight of the Ohio River Basin and advocate for Federal funding support to restore and protect the waters that affect the 14 impacted states.