Tag: Ohio River

Indiana Wildlife Federation Leads Charge to Restore and Protect Indiana’s Ohio River Basin Waters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 31, 2025 Contact: Dan Boritt; (202) 674-1982/(317) 759-0661

Indiana Wildlife Federation Leads Charge to Restore and Protect Indiana’s Ohio River Basin Waters

Indianapolis, IN – A new, powerful coalition of over 120 local, state, and national conservation groups, including the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF), has launched to restore and protect the interconnected waters of the Ohio River Basin. This massive region drains over 80% of Indiana’s waterways, making the health of the Ohio River and its tributaries critical to all Hoosier communities.

The Healthy Waters Coalition seeks to secure a long-overdue regional restoration plan and the federal funding to implement it, a major priority for Indiana stakeholders and U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09).

Congresswoman Houchin, as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Ohio River Basin Congressional Caucus (along with Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), is a key leader driving the push for dedicated federal investment in this crucial waterway.

“The Ohio River is essential to millions of Americans, providing drinking water and supporting jobs across our region,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin. “We’re committed to ensuring the river gets the attention and resources it needs by securing federal funding and bringing together stakeholders to develop a plan that protects and restores it for future generations. Introducing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act with my co-chair is the critical first step to ensuring the Basin receives the same level of federal attention as the Great Lakes or Chesapeake Bay, which is vital to Southern Indiana’s economy and public health.

The Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) is playing a central leadership role in this regional effort, recruiting over 30 Indiana related nonprofits. IWF has been instrumental in advocating for the needs of Indiana’s streams, wetlands, and wildlife in the Ohio River Restoration Plan.

The IWF’s mission to promote the conservation and sustainable use of Indiana’s wildlife and habitats directly tied to the success of this restoration. A healthier Ohio River Basin means a stronger future for Indiana’s biodiversity, cleaner water and flourishing wildlife populations.

“As Hoosiers, we play an outsized role in the Ohio River, as over 80% of our state drains into the river,” said Dan Boritt, Executive Director for the Indiana Wildlife Federation. “The IWF is proud to be a driving force in the Healthy Waters Coalition. This plan, and the federal funding Congresswoman Houchin is fighting for, is an investment in the health of our children, the strength of our local economies, and the future of Indiana’s cherished outdoor heritage. For far too long the Ohio River basin and the wildlife that call it home have been neglected. This coalition is a loud call that time is nearing an end.”

 

The Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection Plan can be found here.

To learn more about the efforts to help restore the Ohio River basin, you can sign up for Indiana Wildlife Federation emails HERE .

OHIO RIVER RESTORATION PLAN Indiana Public Engagement Session

Come join the Indiana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, and Ohio River Basin Alliance to learn about the Ohio River restoration plan. This ambitious plan lays out a framework for how federal funding can help transform this Ohio River basin, an area that has for far too long been ignored. The Ohio River basin encompasses over 80% of the Hoosier state and for far too long we have ignored it. This plan is a major milestone in moving forward, restoring this vast geographic area, and improving life for humans and wildlife alike. We will discuss the plan, future steps and how you can use your voice to help shape the future of the entire basin. We will be graciously hosted by the Sam Shine Foundation, and drinks and light snacks will be provided. Registration is Required.

PARTNER EVENT: ORSANCO – Ohio River Discussion Series

Since 1948, ORSANCO and its member states have cooperated to improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin, ensuring the river can be used for drinking, industrial supplies, and recreational purposes; and can support a healthy and diverse aquatic community. ORSANCO operates monitoring programs to check for pollutants and toxins that may interfere with specific uses of the river.

The Ohio River Discussion Series is an opportunity for communities to share their knowledge and passion for the Ohio River. This monthly series of webinars features topics in Clean Water, Ecosystem Restoration, Research, Education, Transportation, Flood Control and Recreation. The Series was created by the Ohio River Recreation Trail in 2020. In 2021, the Series was expanded with additional partners to provide additional content and support. The Partners include the Ohio River Recreational Trail, the Ohio River Basin Alliance, the Foundation for Ohio River Education, ORSANCO, and the National Park Service.

To register for the next Ohio River Discussion: Understanding Microplastics in the Ohio River Basin, 12:00 pm (EDT) April 27, 2021: REGISTER HERE.

Conservation Groups Urge Governors to Reject Weakening Clean Water Protections for Ohio River

CONTACT: Jordan Lubetkin, National Wildlife Federation, lubetkin@nwf.org (734) 904-1589

ANN ARBOR, MICH. (May 31, 2018)—The National Wildlife Federation and its state affiliates in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia are urging governors in those states to reject attempts to weaken a 60-year-old compact created to limit pollution in the Ohio River. On June 7, an eight-state regional body charged with protecting the Ohio River and its communities from pollution will vote on whether they will continue to collaborate on clean water goals, or whether they will disband the compact.

Conservation groups have strongly opposed states going their own way, which is widely seen as an excuse by many of the states to weaken clean water protections—a scenario which could lead to a so-called race to the bottom.

In a letter to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, the groups urged the states to uphold the clean water compact and protect the Ohio River—which provides drinking water to more than 4 million people.

“There is a need for leadership and cooperation by the Commission and its member states to honor the pledges made by each state for the oversight of pollution abatement and health of the entire Ohio River,” the groups wrote. “The Commission Compact compels the member states to act on behalf of a water body beyond its jurisdictional waters, a unique role that demands actions beyond parochial interests.”

The eight-state regional body, the Ohio River Valley Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), is proposing revisions to its core mission that would eliminate key pollution control standards and withdraw the body from the responsibility of ensuring consistent water quality throughout the Ohio River. ORSANCO was created as an interstate water pollution control agency in part to ensure pollution dumped into the Ohio River in one state doesn’t have a negative effect on the waters of another state.

In anticipation of the vote, to take place at the governing body’s June 7 meeting in Louisville, Ky., the groups issued the following statement:

“Sixty years ago, states bordering the Ohio River had the vision to work together to put in place clean water protections that allowed the Ohio River to successfully support industry and commerce, as well as provide clean drinking water for people and a home for fish and wildlife. This foundation of cooperation for a sustainable river has served the region well, and to scuttle it now would be irresponsible. A healthy environment and healthy economy go hand in hand. We need the governors to stand firm and support strong clean water protections that benefit the Ohio River and the many communities which rely on it for their drinking water, health, jobs, and way of life.”

Signatories to the letter include the National Wildlife Federation, Indiana Wildlife Federation, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Ohio Conservation Federation, PennFuture, Prairie Rivers Network, Virginia Conservation Network, and West Virginia Rivers Coalition.

The National Wildlife Federation is America’s largest conservation organization, uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.