Slag Reform Vehicle Gets House Hearing

After breezing through the Senate 33-0, Senate Bill 2 had its first hearing in the House. Members heard sponsor testimony from the bill sponsor Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) and also heard testimony from Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler.

The bill focuses on a variety of Ohio water issues ranging from public water systems to Lake Erie dredging. The bill also includes a provision the OMA has strongly advocated which would recognize slag as a marketable product and not a waste under Ohio’s water laws. Specifically the bill exempts slag from excessive regulation, while at the same time requiring that it be used in a manner that conforms with appropriate water quality standards. A second hearing is expected next week. 4/27/2017