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SR 192

A RESOLUTION endorsing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to support clean water, healthy fish and wildlife populations, economic development, and expanded recreation opportunities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Adams and 7 co-sponsors

Kentucky endorses H.R. 5966 to create the Ohio River Restoration Program, aiming to improve water quality, ecosystem health, flood resilience, and recreation along the Ohio River.

adopted by voice vote
#agriculture #environmentandconservation #fishandwildlife #floodcontrolandflooding #pollution #watersupply #waterwaysanddams
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 192

Summary: SR 192 (2026RS) – Endorsement of the Ohio River Restoration Program Act

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution
  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (RS)
  • Title: A RESOLUTION endorsing the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to support clean water, healthy fish and wildlife populations, economic development, and expanded recreation opportunities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  • Primary purpose: Express formal support by the Kentucky Senate for H.R. 5966, the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, and acknowledge its anticipated benefits to Kentucky.

Key Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution endorses H.R. 5966, which proposes creating the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program.
  • Aims to improve water quality, enhance flood resilience through restoration of natural systems, protect and restore aquatic and wildlife habitats, control invasive species, remediate toxic substances, expand public access and recreational opportunities, and bolster outreach and education across the Ohio River Basin.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Endorsement

  • Section 1: Expresses Senate support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act (H.R. 5966) and highlights its importance for Kentucky, including protection of drinking water supplies, economic strength, and ecological health of the Ohio River Basin.
  • Section 2: Directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit a copy of the resolution to Kentucky’s congressional delegation after adoption.

Who/What is Affected

  • Drinking water utilities and public water systems in northern, central, and western Kentucky that rely on the Ohio River as a primary source.
  • Kentucky communities along the Ohio River (approximately 664 miles of border frontage) and downstream users affected by river water quality.
  • Economic sectors linked to river health, including manufacturing, shipping, and other river-dependent industries.
  • Recreation and tourism sectors that benefit from improved river quality and access (fishing, boating, paddling, etc.).
  • Ecological health of the Ohio River Basin, including fish and wildlife habitat and management of invasive species and toxic substances.

Context and Rationale

  • The Ohio River Basin spans 15 states and serves over 30 million people with drinking water, recreation, and commerce.
  • The Ohio River forms a significant portion of Kentucky’s northern border and is critical to the state’s economy and infrastructure.
  • The river has historically faced pollution challenges (nutrient pollution, toxic contamination, flooding, aging infrastructure, habitat degradation, invasive species) and remains among the country’s more polluted rivers.
  • The resolution frames support for a federal program intended to address these challenges through coordinated restoration and resilience efforts.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Sponsorship: The bill has multiple co-sponsors (including several Kentucky senators).
  • Action timeline:
    • Introduced in Senate on March 25, 2026.
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Committees.
    • Reported to the Senate Floor by March 26, 2026, and adopted by voice vote on March 27, 2026.
  • Effect: As a resolution, it does not enact new law in Kentucky but signals official endorsement and directs transmission of the resolution to the state’s congressional delegation.

Summary of Impact

  • Political: Formal endorsement of a federal initiative, potentially increasing Kentucky’s alignment with federal restoration efforts.
  • Environmental: Supports a program intended to improve water quality and ecosystem health in the Ohio River Basin.
  • Economic and Social: Anticipates benefits from cleaner water, reduced treatment costs, flood resilience, and expanded recreation and tourism opportunities.
  • Administrative: Simple procedural action directing communication to federal lawmakers; no immediate state statutory changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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