EnvironmentalEnvironmentalEnvironmentalEnvironmental----ConservationConservationConservationConservation Briefing Book 2012Briefing Book 2012Briefing Book 2012Briefing Book 2012

PHOTO CREDITSPHOTO CREDITSPHOTO CREDITSPHOTO CREDITS Top: Trish Sostaric Middle: Dave Woehr Bottom: Susanne Sande

Dear ReaderDear ReaderDear ReaderDear Reader

Even if you stumble,

you’re still moving forward.

An old saying, but still true.

We don’t win every time but we never stop trying. That is one of the greatest strengths of Ohio’s environmental-

conservation network.

For generations now we’ve been working together for clean water, fresh air, open space, green energy, sustainable farm land – everything

that makes Ohio great.

As the challenges continue to come, the Ohio Environmental Council and our partners and members rise again

and again.

Last summer, our collective voice helped convince Governor Kasich to veto a water conservation bill that was not protective enough of Lake Erie. We will keep up the effort as

debate continues on a new bill.

For the past year, the issue of horizontal fracking has galvanized people across the nation to stand up against its risks to their health,

resources, and communities.

Thanks to Ohio’s clean energy standards, Ohio is growing good jobs

and standing for cleaner air as utilities invest in wind and solar power and

cost-saving energy efficiency.

And thanks to the Clean Ohio Fund, all 88 counties are benefitting from one or more locally-driven projects to put old brownfields back to productive use and to conserve open space, build recreational trails, and preserve

family farmland.

The challenges are many – and difficult. But together we will never stop fighting for what we believe is right and what we deserve – a clean,

safe environment for all Ohioans.

In partnership with a great lineup of environmental-conservation partners, the Ohio Environmental Council shares a vision of a clean, green, healthy Ohio, and we are pleased to present this year’s Ohio Environmental-Conservation Briefing

Book.

Representing tens of thousands of Ohioans, the organizations that contributed to this Briefing Book have prepared a handy guide for lawmakers, agency officials, and the news media, as well as for Ohio’s

citizen-advocates.

Keith Dimoff Executive Director Ohio Environmental Council

Acknowledgements

The following organizations have contributed briefing papers included here:The following organizations have contributed briefing papers included here:The following organizations have contributed briefing papers included here:The following organizations have contributed briefing papers included here:

The 2012 Ohio Environmental-Conservation Briefing Book is produced by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC). It is intended to provide information to the public, legislators, state officials, and media representatives about important environmental and conservation challenges and opportunities in Ohio.

Views expressed on a particular issue are not necessarily shared by the OEC, its member groups, or other organizations that have contributed to this book.

For a printed version of this book, please contact the Ohio Environmental Council at OEC@theOEC.org or (614) 487-7506.

The Ohio Environmental Council is Ohio’s leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use. We have a widely respected 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success.

Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, we secure a healthier environment for Ohio’s families and communities.

Please connect with us online!

www.theOEC.org www.fracebook.com/OhioEnvironmentalCouncil www.twitter.com/OhioEnviro

American Lung Association in Ohio

Buckeye Forest Council

Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Enviroscapes Landscape Design

Freshwater Future

Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Issac Walton League of America, Ohio Division

National Parks Conservation Association

National Wildlife Federation, Great Lakes Regional Center

The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Chapter

Ohio Environmental Council

Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured

Sierra Club, Ohio Chapter

Tecumsah Land Trust

Table of Contents

Anti-SLAPP Suit Legislation.................................................... 1

Asian Carp.............................................................................. 3

Clean Construction Requirements ………………………………………. 7

Current Agricultural Use Valuation ……………………………………… 9

Great Lakes Compact…………………………………………………………... 11

Hydraulic Fracturing (“Fracking”)………………………………………… 15

Logging in State Forests ……………………………………………………… 17

Manure Brokering………………………………………………………………… 19

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity………………………………………………. 21

Nutrient Application Fee……………………………………………….……… 23

Ohio’s Clean Energy Legislation...……………………………………….. 25

Ohio’s State Nature Preserves.....……………………………………….. 27

Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers ……………………………………………….. 29

Property Assessed Clean Energy …………………………………………. 31

Public Participation & Transparency…………………………………….. 33

Residential Building Energy Codes………………………………………. 35

Vernal Pools…………………………………………………………………………. 37

Wetlands………………………………………………………………………………. 39

List of Ohio’s Environmental-Conservation Groups………………41

Anti-SLAPP Suit Legislation

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Public participation in regulatory decision-making is essential to the democratic process, especially when the decisions concern issues that could impact human and environmental health. However, public participation is merely an empty concept if the public is silenced and bullied out of participation through the threat of multi-million dollar lawsuits. These lawsuits, referred to as Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits), often arise in environmental and property use issues, and are filed in an attempt to silence individuals and organizations who speak out against controversial corporate or development projects. SLAPPs are sometimes difficult to differentiate from any other liability action and frequently contain claims for libel, slander, defamation, malicious prosecution, and/or abuse of process. The idea is not for the corporation or developer to win the suit, but to use high-dollar amounts to scare the defendants to end their opposition. The resulting effect is a "chill" on public participation in, and open debate on, important public issues. While most SLAPPs are legally meritless, they effectively achieve their principal purpose: to chill public debate on specific issues. Defending a SLAPP, even when the legal defense is strong, requires a substantial investment of money, time, and resources. In other words, they want to scare a party into silencing their protests. This "chilling" effect is not limited to the SLAPP target(s): fearful of being the target of future litigation, others may refrain from speaking on, or participating in, issues of public concern. SLAPP suits also obstruct resolution of the public matter at issue by moving the parties from the public decision-making forum to a court of law, where the subject is the effect of the opposition, not the effect of the subject of the opposition on the community.

THE NEED THE NEED THE NEED THE NEED Every year thousands of people are hit with SLAPPs for such activities as writing a letter to a newspaper, reporting misconduct by public officials, speaking at public meetings, filing complaints over violations of environmental and human health laws, "whistleblowing" in corporations, or organizing community members. In Ohio, just in the past year, SLAPP suits have been filed against individuals and small community organizations who dared to publicly oppose permits for air and water pollution emitting facilities. Ordinary citizens, ordered to federal court and forced to defend a six-figure lawsuit, all for questioning the appropriateness of a pollution source in their backyard. Twenty-six states currently have some form of Anti-SLAPP provisions in law that protect SLAPPed defendants from this injustice, and permitting the quick dismissal of these baseless allegations and permitting defendants recoup fees. Unfortunately, Ohio does not have such protectionsOhio does not have such protectionsOhio does not have such protectionsOhio does not have such protections.

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Anti-SLAPP laws discourage “Big Business” from using malicious litigation to punish small businesses, advocacy organizations, and individuals who demand fair and law-abiding business operation by speaking out against corporate abuses of permit and property uses. It also helps to minimize threatening and frivolous litigation between businesses, and discourages vindictive suits filed by disgruntled employees. As a formidable addition to anti-SLAPP laws, eight states have enacted “SLAPP-back” legislation, as the ultimate deterrent to bad actors and unscrupulous lawyering. “SLAPP-back” allows a defendant who has demonstrated that their speech was constitutionally protected to obtain compensatory as well as punitive monetary damages from the entity that filed the SLAPP suit.

RECOMMENDATIONS • For the future of free-speech around governmental decisions, Ohioans need tort-

reform protections from unconscionable use of litigation to silence responsible public debate.

• The Ohio General Assembly should enact Anti-SLAPP legislation, with SLAPP-back provisions that provide for compensatory and punitive money damages to deter future silencing of a citizen’s First Amendment rights to petition its government and speak freely.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Trent Dougherty Staff Attorney, Director of Legal Affairs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Trent@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org Also visit the OEC’s Ohio Environmental Law Center at www.ohioenvirolawcenter.org

Asian Carp

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Environmental DNA testing has detected the presence of Asian carp throughout the Chicago Waterway System and in Lake Michigan watershed. A spawning population of Asian carp also has been detected in the Wabash River, IN, just a half-mile flood plain from the Maumee River. Unless decisive action is taken, it may only be a matter of time before Asian carp make their way to Lake Erie, destroying the recreational and economic value that Lake Erie’s fishery provides Ohio. Asian carp are voracious feeders, requiring large amounts of plankton, making Lake Erie an ideal habitat for these devastating fish. Lake Erie, the shallowest and warmest of all the Great Lakes, is the most biologically productive Great Lake. It produces more fish for human consumption than all of the other lakes combined. Asian carp require a minimum of 62 miles of undammed river length to reproduce; they prefer turbid waters. Several scientists have noted that the timing of spawning is more related to turbidity increase than hydrology.

This may be a defense mechanism because the eggs and larvae are defenseless to sight-feeding predators while in the drift. In Ohio, the USGS has confirmed that the Maumee, Sandusky, and Grand Rivers meet the required criteria for Asian carp reproduction. All of these conditions suggest that Asian carp would be able to grow, live, and reproduce in the Lake Erie watershed. Asian carp can grow to more than 4 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. They can jump several feet out of the water when disturbed by a boat

motor. Imagine a 100-pound fish leaping out of the water and smacking into someone. In the Mississippi River, adults have sustained broken collarbones, noses, and teeth, as well as being knocked unconscious. Think about what could happen to a child hit by one of these! Asian carp also can dominate aquatic ecosystems by out-competing native fish for food and habitat, like perch, bass, and walleye. As they feed near the base of the food chain, they can cause an entire system to become depauperate (poorly or imperfectly developed). In addition, new information from the USGS confirms that Asian carp selectively feed on the good algae and excrete the bad algae. As the algae passes through the carp’s gut the bad algae becomes concentrated, further fueling the toxic algal blooms. So much is at stake for Ohio if the Asian carp get into our Great Lakes. Lake Erie is the walleye capital of the world and supports one of the biggest freshwater commercial fisheries in the world. In Ohio, about a third of the state’s perch quota is allotted to the commercial fishing industry. Each year more than $801 million is generated for Ohio due to recreational fishing in the Ohio Lake Erie basin.

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If Asian carp invade the Great Lakes, they could devastate Ohio’s nearly $1 billion fishing industry in Lake Erie and permanently alter how recreational boaters, anglers, wildlife watchers, and tourists use and enjoy Lake Erie and its many tributaries. As a result of tourism and travel from boaters, anglers, and wildlife watchers, Ohio gains $10.1 billion in revenue annually and supports one out of every ten jobs along Ohio’s portion of the Lake Erie basin. The impact of the Asian carp would be irreversible to the people, wildlife, and economies that rely on Lake Erie.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Hydrological separation of the Mississippi River basin from the Great Lakes basin must be a top priority, especially the connection at Chicago and eventual severing of other connections, like connections in St. Mary’s and the Portage Lakes in Ohio. This will achieve our objective of stopping the movement of live organisms between the two basins. The only way to guarantee achieving that objective long-term is by physically separating the two basins - hydrological separation. Any other option (e.g. technology barriers, dead zones, perpetual chemical treatments) will ultimately fail. To achieve this goal, it is essential that we prevent Asian carp from establishing breeding populations in Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. This includes eradicating carp that are past the electric barrier, and ensuring carp do not spread through pathways leading into the Lake Michigan and Lake Erie watersheds. There are multiple management strategies for achieving this objective (poisoning, lock closures, electrofishing, population control, additional technology barriers, etc.), but none of them can prevent establishment alone. These strategies must be applied aggressively, strategically, flexibly, and in a coordinated way to be successful in stopping the carp from establishing breeding populations in the lakes until we can permanently hydrologically separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins, as well as install a permanent solution at Eagle Marsh to keep all sizes of Asian carp out of the Maumee River.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

The Ohio General Assembly should pass a resolution urging Congress to: • Require federal agencies to take every action necessary and possible to keep

Asian carp out of the Great Lakes, including chemical controls; increased monitoring (eDNA) and speeding up test processing; building power; and constructing hydrological barriers to prevent overflow (flooding) as identified in the Alternate Pathways Study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USACE.

• Extend and expand USACE’s emergency authority to take action against Asian carp entering the Great Lakes via the Chicago waterway system or other pathways such as the Wabash River via the Maumee River.

(continued on next page)

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Kristy Meyer. Director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506, Kristy@theOEC.org Donald Arcuri, U.S. Advisor at Large Ohio Great Lakes Fishery Commission Ohio AIS Management Advisory Team 45343 Parsons Rd. Oberlin, OH 44074 (216) 214-6724, donarcuri@juno.com Cheryl Kallio, Associate Director Freshwater Future 16317 West Willow St Spring Lake, MI 49456 231-571-5001, cheryl@freshwaterfuture.org

Chad Lord Director, National Great Lakes Campaign National Parks Conservation Association 777 6th St., NW., Ste. 700 Washington, DC 20001 (202) 454-3385, clord@npca.org http://online.nwf.org/site/PageServer?pagename-glnrc_homepage Dave Spangler Lake Erie Charter Boat Captain 6473 N. Harris Harbor Dr. Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 Phone: (419)276-0929 dave.spangler1021@gmail.com

RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS ---- con’t con’t con’t con’t

• Support and urge for the passage of the Stop Asian Carp Act, which would requires the USACE to conduct and expedite a study detailing engineering options in order to determine the best way to permanently separate the Mississippi River Basin from Lake Michigan.

• Direct the USACE to utilize the Great Lakes Commission and Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Cities Initiative recently released report that highlighted three different options on how the two iconic waterways could be separated, addressing flooding threats, Chicago wastewater, water safety operations, and barge and recreational vessel traffic alternatives, examining other modes of transportation for the shipping industry and influencing new engineering designs to move canal traffic from one body of water to the other without transferring invasive species. There is no need to reinvent the wheel and this would save the USACE time.

• Direct the USACE to expedite construction of any and all barriers to accomplish this hydrologic separation based on risk assessment but not contingent upon the presence of invasive species.

Asian Carp

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Clean Construction Requirements

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Diesel engines are efficient, durable, and long-lasting pieces of machinery. Their low maintenance and efficient generation of power and electricity has led to their widespread use in heavy duty buses, trucks, trains, marine vessels, and non-road equipment used in construction and agriculture, and at airports. Yet diesel engines have a downside. Their emissions contain harmful constituents such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, as well as 40 hazardous air pollutants, including known or probable carcinogens. In fact, according to the USEPA, diesel exhaust presents a lung cancer risk 3 times higher than the cancer risk of all other air toxics, combined. Exposure to diesel emissions has been linked to serious health effects, including a compromised immune system, aggravated asthma and allergy symptoms, heart and lung disease, cancer, and early death. Ohio is hit especially hard. According to the Clean Air Task Force, Ohioans suffered these diesel pollution health impacts in 2010:

• 409 early deaths • 392 non-fatal heart attacks • 408 pediatric asthma ER visits • 288,641 minor restricted activity days

The combined health impacts of diesel pollution cost Ohio $3.6 billion in health care costs and lost worker productivity.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED The U.S. EPA has adopted clean emissions standards for all highway diesel trucks made beginning in model year 2007. This is positive. However, an existing 11 million diesel trucks as well and construction vehicles are expected to remain in service and continue polluting at elevated emission rates for up to another 30 years. The non-road diesel vehicle and equipment pollution, including construction equipment, is estimated at 6,032 tons per year of particulate matter and 69,574 tons per year of nitrogen oxide (NOx). In Ohio, 118,000 diesel powered engines were used in the construction industry in 2007 building roads, bridges, homes, and other community structures. Heavy duty construction vehicles on construction projects are heavily polluting. It is not uncommon to see black smoke coming from a stack on a wheel loader. These engines last decades and pollute at the ground level. They also emit black carbon-a climate agent 2,000 times more potent than CO2 over a 20 year period. However, technologies exist that reduce pollution by more than 85%. Clean diesel technologies create and sustain Ohio jobs while reducing deadly toxins. In fact, the U.S. EPA estimates that, for a diesel clean up grant program at the national level, for every $1 spent on diesel cleanup programs, $13 is realized in health and economic benefits. 7

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The state should not use tax payer money to harm the public’s health. Many state counties are teetering on failing air quality standards (many counties are in “maintenance” category) for particulate matter and ozone pollution. Failure to comply with the Clean Air Act means emission reductions on sources of pollution. Solutions exist through the six “R’s” of diesel cleanup:

• RefuelRefuelRefuelRefuel with cleaner fuels. • RepowerRepowerRepowerRepower installing new, low-emission engines in older chassis. • ReplaceReplaceReplaceReplace older vehicles with new lower-emission models. • Rebuild or repairRebuild or repairRebuild or repairRebuild or repair by performing routine maintenance and periodic

engine rebuilds can keep emission rates at or near original levels. • Reduce idlingReduce idlingReduce idlingReduce idling can save money by reducing fuel usage as well as wear

and tear on the engine. • RetrofittingRetrofittingRetrofittingRetrofitting engines with modern emission control technologies that can

cut pollution up to 95%.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS • The state should invest $50 million a year (sustainable funding) in the Ohio Diesel

Emission Reduction Grant program. Using U.S. EPA’s estimates, this investment would yield $650 million in health and economic savings.

• The state should adopt clean construction requirements to require all construction projects sized $2 million or larger that use public funds to install modern pollution controls.

• The state should adopt a stringent no-idling policy for state vehicles and a state law prohibiting excessive idling (similar law in Illinois and in the city of Cleveland).

• Local governments should adjust construction contracts to prefer clean fleet projects.

• The Federal government should require all public works projects sized $2 million or larger to use retrofitted engines or compressed natural gas, only.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information David R. Celebrezze Director of Air & Water Special Projects Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 David@theOEC.org

Current Agricultural Use Valuation

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Healthy wetlands are essential, dynamic ecosystems performing numerous ecological, biological and hydrological functions that benefit society at large. Wetlands are essential conservation tools for both urban and rural landscapes, including agricultural lands. They provide natural water quality improvement, critical floodwater storage, bank and shore stabilization, wildlife, fish and flora habitats, as well as, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation. Given these many beneficial services, wetlands voluntarily placed into conservation or retirement programs, including some federal Farm Bill Conservation Title programs, have historically been taxed at lower than market values in accordance with the Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV). Under the CAUV, landowners who voluntarily place a wetland into a conservation or retirement program (e.g. Wetland Reserve Program) are charged a reduced tax rate on the wetland. Thus the CAUV is a valuable tool that encourages landowners to preserve wetlands.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED In 2011, Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) issued a directive declaring that lands enrolled in the USDA sponsored Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) would no longer be assessed in accordance with the CAUV. ODT erroneously relied on a 2009 opinion issued by the Ohio Attorney General which held mitigation banks did not meet the definition of “lands devoted exclusively to agriculture.”1 Mitigation banks should not be confused with lands conserved in accordance with WRP/WHIP. Mitigation banks are designed to mitigate the effects of development that destroys wetlands while WRP and WHIP seek to restore and conserve wetlands in their natural state. The AG opinion did not address WRP/WHIP lands. Despite these limitations, ODT decided it would no longer extend CAUV to properties enrolled in WRP/WHIP. As a result, landowners were caught off guard when they received significantly increased tax bills that included recoupment (the difference between the county’s market taxation rate and the CAUV, times three).2 More profound is the amount of acreage devoted to wetland and wildlife habitat areas that may be at stake and the “chilling effect” this policy is having on landowners interested in restoring wetlands. At issue is the definition of “land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” contained in Section 36, Article II, Ohio Constitution, and Ohio Revised Code 5713.30 et seq. Briefly, O.R.C. 5713.30(A) provides:

“(A) “Land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” means:

(1)Tracts, lots, or parcels of land … devoted exclusively to commercial animal or poultry husbandry, aquaculture, apiculture, the production for a commercial purpose of timber, field crops, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, nursery stock, ornamental trees, sod, or flowers, or the growth of timber for a noncommercial purpose, … or were devoted to and qualified for payments or other or were devoted to and qualified for payments or other or were devoted to and qualified for payments or other or were devoted to and qualified for payments or other compensation under a land retirement or conservation program under an compensation under a land retirement or conservation program under an compensation under a land retirement or conservation program under an compensation under a land retirement or conservation program under an

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1 This issue is also being litigated in the 11th District Court of Appeals for Ashtabula County where the Ohio Farm Bureau has filed an Amicus Curiae Brief seeking to protect the current application and interpretation of CAUV to land conserved or retired in accordance with farm bill programs. 2 See “Tax May Swamp Wetland Deals,” Columbus Dispatch, December 26, 2011.

(2) Tracts, lots, or parcels of land … devoted exclusively to commercial animal or poultry husbandry, aquaculture, apiculture, the production for a commercial purpose of field crops, tobacco, fruits, vegetables, timber, nursery stock, ornamental trees, sod, or flowers … or were devoted to and qualified for or were devoted to and qualified for or were devoted to and qualified for or were devoted to and qualified for payments or other compensation under a land retirement or conservation payments or other compensation under a land retirement or conservation payments or other compensation under a land retirement or conservation payments or other compensation under a land retirement or conservation program under an agreement with an agency of the federal governmentprogram under an agreement with an agency of the federal governmentprogram under an agreement with an agency of the federal governmentprogram under an agreement with an agency of the federal government;

(4) …”Land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” includes tracts, lots, or Land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” includes tracts, lots, or Land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” includes tracts, lots, or Land devoted exclusively to agricultural use” includes tracts, lots, or parcels of land or portions thereof that are used for conservation practices, parcels of land or portions thereof that are used for conservation practices, parcels of land or portions thereof that are used for conservation practices, parcels of land or portions thereof that are used for conservation practices, …………”

Despite the repeated references to conservation or retirement programs, ODT determined lands conserved under the WRP/WHIP did not meet the definition of “land devoted exclusively to agricultural use.” This policy decision has far-reaching implications for Ohio’s natural heritage, restoration and conservation efforts. Ohio has already lost 90% of its original wetlands and risks losing the remaining 10%. Programs like WRP and WHIP are well accepted and are complementary to farming and to CAUV in Ohio. Once these lands are placed into conservation, they are left with virtually no taxable value and historically have been assessed as such.

RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations • Interested parties should address the taxation of wetland mitigation banks

separate from Farm Bill land retirement and conservation programs. • ODT and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water

Resources, should agree upon a reasonable procedure for adjusting property tax values downward for lands enrolled in Farm Bill conservation programs. If legislation is needed, the agencies should work with interested parties in a prudent yet expeditious manner.

• ODT should immediately cease the improper assessment of recoupment charges when CAUV lands enter Farm Bill conservation programs.

• Interested parties, including ODT and ODNR should agree upon a reasonable manner for adjusting property tax values downward on privately conserved natural lands that are not eligible for CAUV.

• ODT, in collaboration with stakeholders, should develop a common sense solution that will not endanger the CAUV program, overburden county auditors, or penalize private conservationists with high tax rates or recoupment.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Kristen Kubitza Director of Water Policy & Outreach The Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue Columbus, OH (614) 487-7506, Kristen@theoec.org Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts c/o Krista Magaw, Executive Director Tecumseh Land Trust

P.O. Box 417 Yellow Springs, OH (937) 767-9490 Krista@techumsehlandtrust.org Karen Chapman, Regional Director Environmental Defense Fund 1875 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Washington D.C. 20009 (740) 363-8269, kchapman@edf.org

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Great Lakes Compact

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE The Great Lakes are a world-class treasure, holding 20% of the Earth’s and 95% of our nation’s freshwater supply. They are a sanctuary for a diversity of wildlife and provide unparalleled recreational opportunities. The Great Lakes serve as a vital source of drinking water and provide jobs for millions of people. They truly are among the natural wonders of the world. While the Great Lakes are a vast and precious natural resource, they are very fragile and vulnerable to depletion and degradation. Each year, groundwater recharge, snowmelt, and rainfall replenish only about one percent of the water in the basin.

The other 99% is finite and nonrenewable. Thus, in 2008, Ohio joined with seven other Great Lakes states in adopting the Great Lakes Compact—an unprecedented joint agreement providing protections against diversions of water outside of the Great Lakes basin and unwise water use within the basin. Following the passage in each individual state, the Compact was adopted by the U.S. Congress and is now law.

The Compact significantly increases protection of the Great Lakes basin waters by, among other provisions:

• Prohibiting the diversion of water out of the Great Lakes drainage basin, except for small diversions to nearby communities suffering public supply shortages;

• Requiring each state to develop environmental standards for judging new proposals for water withdrawal and consumptive use (water taken and not returned;

• Requiring each state to develop and implement a voluntary or mandatory water conservation and efficiency program consistent with the state’s goals and objectives.

THE GREAT LAKES COMPACTTHE GREAT LAKES COMPACTTHE GREAT LAKES COMPACTTHE GREAT LAKES COMPACT Each state is in various stages of passing legislation to implement the protections outlined in the Great Lakes Compact. Ohio must now pass legislation and put into action a permitting program for new or increased water withdrawals and consumptive uses required by the Compact by December 8, 2013.

In summer 2011, Governor Kasich vetoed legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly that violated the Compact and put Lake Erie and the economy that relies on it at risk. Since then the Governor’s office has been working on a new bill, giving Ohio a second chance to protect Lake Erie and the tributaries that feed the Lake from unsustainable water withdrawals and consumptive uses.

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There are several significant improvements in the new legislation, including:

• Reduction in water withdrawal and consumptive use thresholds for when a

water user must seek a permit;

• Strengthening protections for high-quality streams, as designated by the Ohio

Environmental Protection Agency;

• Empowering the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to develop

rules to enforce the Compact; and

• Added checks and balances to ensure that permit requirements are being met.

There are four outstanding concerns that the General Assembly must address before any legislation is passed to ensure that our children and grandchildren can use the Lake as we do today.

No protections for Lake Erie tributaries. No protections for Lake Erie tributaries. No protections for Lake Erie tributaries. No protections for Lake Erie tributaries. The legislation rolls back Ohio law and protections for Lake Erie tributaries by only protecting the Lake Erie basin as a whole and the Great Lakes basin as a whole. The result is that facilities could be allowed to withdraw or consume waters in quantities that would have a significant negative impact on the tributaries. If the tributaries are not protected, Ohio could experience low or no-flows in rivers and streams in the Ohio Lake Erie basin, which could lead to more toxic algal blooms, less fish, limited recreation, decreased tourism, and an increased need for dredging. The Compact and current Ohio law requires that tributaries be protected from any water withdraw or consumptive use that may cause significant harm.

Aggrieved Person.Aggrieved Person.Aggrieved Person.Aggrieved Person. For the first time in Ohio history this bill eliminates the ability of recreational users to appeal a decision that will negatively impact their ability to enjoy Ohio’s natural resources. The only individuals granted authority to appeal a permit decision are facilities applying for a permit or those citizens who have a direct economic or property interest. Those Ohioans who enjoy recreational fishing, boating, swimming, and cannoning in Lake Erie and its tributaries are prevented from appealing a permit that decreases water levels and results in a decreased fish population such as steelhead, or results in increased toxic algal blooms. This bill moves us closer towards privatizing Ohio’s water and natural resources and no longer holding these resources in trust for all Ohioans, including generations to come. (continued next page)

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Great Lakes Compact

90909090----Day Averaging of Water Withdrawals.Day Averaging of Water Withdrawals.Day Averaging of Water Withdrawals.Day Averaging of Water Withdrawals. The bill measures water withdrawals and consumptive uses as an average over a 90 day period as opposed to a “per day” measure. This opens the door for facilities or industries, including oil and gas operations, to withdraw and/or consume quantities of water in excess of the permit thresholds but still not be required to be issued a permit. This could occur if a facility withdrew/consumed 6 million gallons of water in one day and did not withdraw/consume any additional water in the 90-day period. When the 6 million gallons is averaged over 90 days they would not meet the permit threshold. Fish and other wildlife are unable to survive under averages. If all of the water in a stream segment is withdrawn for 15 minutes and then returned the average amount of water, and therefore oxygen, would stay the same but all the fish and other wildlife will not have survived. Experimental Permits.Experimental Permits.Experimental Permits.Experimental Permits. The OEC applauds the concept of the experimental permit, which could encourage the development of new water conservation technology. A few revisions, however, are needed to close loopholes and give the business community the certainty they need, while protecting Lake Erie and the tributaries and encouraging technological advancement. As the legislation is currently written, water users do not have to meet all the provisions of the decision-making standard within the Compact, particularly the “no significant impact” provision. This provision is required, however, if they wanted to pursue using the technology under the new or increased water withdrawal and consumptive use regulatory program. In addition, the legislation does not outline how many times a water user could apply for an experimental permit. Lake Erie is a precious resource that is vitally important to both Ohio’s environment and economy. Lake Erie supplies drinking water to 3 million Ohioans and supports 1 out of every 10 jobs in seven counties that boarder the Lake Erie coastline. Tourism and travel in the Ohio Lake Erie basin generates $10.1 billion annually to the Ohio economy and supplies $1.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

While protecting the number of good provisions in the new legislation, the Ohio General Assembly must shore up the legislation to ensure that we are in compliance with the Compact, do not roll back existing Ohio law, and protect all water users’ right to enjoy the waters of Lake Erie. To do this the General Assembly must pass legislation that:

• Maintains existing O.R.C. 1522.07 language in any new legislation to require consideration of potential impacts to both the tributaries considered as a whole and the Lake Erie watershed considered as a whole. During the passage of the Compact in Ohio, a compromise was reached between industry and the environmental community on a definition of “Source Watershed” that is in compliance with the Compact and is now current Ohio law. 13

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For More Information For More Information For More Information For More Information

Kristy Meyer Director of Agricultural & Clean Water Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Ave., Ste. 201 Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 487-7506, Kristy@theOEC.org Rick Graham President Izaak Walton League of America, Ohio Division 13217 Patten Tract Rd. Monroeville, OH 44847 (419)465-2283, Rick.Graham@ohiostatebuckeyes.com

Marc Smith Policy Manager, National Wildlife Federation - Great Lakes Regional Center 213 West Liberty St, Suite 200 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 255-5413, msmith@nwf.org www.nwf.org/Regional-Centers/Great-Lakes.aspx Rick Unger President Lake Erie Charter Boat Association 2425 Royal Ridge Dr. Miamisburg Ohio 45342 (216) 401-6231 rungerchpd@aol.com

• Any new legislation should comply with the Compact and allow any “Person aggrieved” to appeal a decision of the Chief of the Division of Soil and Water Resources, ODNR. The courts are experts at determining who can properly appeal.

• Require thresholds for when a water user must seek a permit be based on a “per day” measure as opposed to the “averaged over a 90-day period.”

• To provide certainty to businesses, the experimental permit should be required to adhere to all of the decision-making standard provisions in the Compact, including the “no significant impacts” provision. In addition, a limit should be established on the number of times a project can receive an experimental permit to one 24-month period. A limit should also be put on the number of permits under slightly altered project plans.

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Horizontal Fracking

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE A relatively new drilling technology — known as high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing — now makes it possible to reach natural gas reserves that underlie much of the state of Ohio. Commonly referred to as “horizontal hydrofracking” or just “fracking,” this deep-shale natural gas drilling uses high-pressure injections of water, sand, and chemicals to release trapped gas. After drilling vertically to a depth that reaches slightly above the shale, the drillbit is turned horizontally and pushed into the shale, as much as a mile or more. Small fractures are created in the targeted area with underground explosions and a mixture of sand, water and chemicals is injected at high pressure into the newly created fractures to further crack the rock and release the gas. The environmental and health impacts from fracking in other states such as Pennsylvania are shocking and well documented, with numerous spills, blowouts, leaking wells, and other accidents and releases of contaminants.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED CHEMICALS Many of the chemicals used in fracking —hydrochloric acid, diesel fuel components, and formaldehyde to name a few — are highly toxic and have serious short- and long-term health effects on humans. Industry spokespersons claim that chemicals used in the fracturing process make up only a small fraction of fracking fluids. Even so, each fracking operation can use between 4,000 and 7,000 gallons of chemicals each time a well is “fracked.” WATER CONTAMINATION Naturally-occurring fissures and faults or the presence of a previously unregistered abandoned mine can allow highly contaminated fracking fluids, along with natural and methane gases and radioactive debris, to migrate upward and be released into aquifers serving drinking water wells. A recent study out of Duke University, which analyzed private water wells in Pennsylvania and New York, found methane concentrations to be 17 times higher on average in areas with active shale drilling and extraction than in non-active areas. WATER USAGE Hydrofracturing requires the use of 4 to 7 million gallons of water for each “frack” and a single well could be fracked multiple times. If an average family of four in Ohio uses about 300 gallons of water per day, the water used in ONE “frack” would supply one four-person household with water for 51 years. The withdrawal of such large amounts of water from local resources can significantly impact Ohio’s water resources and infringe upon constitutionally protected property rights in ground water for an untold number of landowners.

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AIR QUALITY Hazardous air emissions are released from a variety of sources throughout the fracking process. These include hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur dioxide, BTEX (benzene, tolulene, ethylbenzene and xylene), as well as methane and natural gas. Known public health effects from these emissions include reproductive, respiratory, and blood disorders, as well as central nervous system and neurological effects. LOCAL IMPACTS Local communities will experience increased risks to public safety and infrastructure due to a significant increase in heavy truck traffic. Fracking operations can take anywhere from 900 to 1,300 truckloads hauling equipment, materials, and water, sand, and waste fluids. In 2004, Ohio lawmakers took away all local authority over oil and gas drilling and gave it to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This is important because many of the impacts of fracking are felt locally, but local communities have little say and notice over the permitting process.

IN SUMMARYIN SUMMARYIN SUMMARYIN SUMMARY Ohio’s regulatory framework is inadequate, lacking the necessary controls and enforcement capacity to fully protect Ohioans and our natural environment. Recent reforms to oil and gas drilling law (SB 165) did not incorporate protections specific to the unprecedented scale and foreseeable risk of deep-shale gas drilling. ODNR must significantly strengthen regulations to include, at a minimum, increased water well monitoring, stronger air emissions standards, and a prohibition on open-pit storage of fracking fluids.

RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION The Ohio General Assembly should immediately issue a moratorium ordering ODNR to withhold approval of new well permits involving high-volume, horizontal hydraulic exploration, drilling, or extraction until such time as fracking is demonstrated to be safe for the environment and human health and is properly and effectively regulated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting a comprehensive research study to investigate the potential adverse effects of hydraulic fracturing to water resources, drinking water, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and air quality. Preliminary results are expected to be completed by 2012, with the remaining results by 2014. Ohio’s natural gas reserves will still be available when the U.S. EPA concludes its study. Ohio should not – and must not – allow risky deep-shale gas drilling before the conclusion of the EPA’s study.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Melanie Houston Director of Water Policy & Environmental Health Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Suite 201 Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 487-7506 , Melanie@theoec.org www.theOEC.org

Cheryl Johncox, Executive Director Buckeye Forest Council 1200 W. Fifth Avenue, Suite 103 Columbus, Ohio 43212 (614) 487-9290 Cheryl@buckeyeforestcouncil.org www.buckeyeforestcouncil.org

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Logging in State Forests & State Parks

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE House Bill 153 recently opened state parks to commercial logging for the first time ever. Park areas have been zoned for clearcutting, and the Ohio Division of Forestry (DOF) plans to administer sales of park timber starting this year. DOF continues to favor the environmentally destructive practice of clearcutting on our state forests. Only a very small portion of our state forests is protected from future logging. Once 95% forested, Ohio is now only 30% forested. Most forests in the state are young, highly fragmented, and riddled with non-native, invasive species. Overall, there is a lack of interior or “deep” forest habitat that would support interior forest and headwater stream species.

Similarly, there is a drastic shortage of desirable natural areas for public recreation: Ohio ranks 47th in the nation in public land available for recreation per capita and 7th in population. Fewer than 13% of Ohio’s forests are publicly owned. Despite these facts, Ohio’s state forests are managed primarily for logging purposes. Ohio’s 21 state forests comprise 191,000 acres (0.7% of Ohio’s land base) and the Wayne

National Forest comprises 234,000 acres (0.8% of Ohio’s land base). While small in percentage, these public areas are critical because they provide the state with larger tracts of contiguous forestland than typically found on private land. Thus, public lands provide an opportunity to preserve and restore healthy and diverse forest ecosystems, while providing for species habitat and low-impact recreational opportunities.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Managing state forests for biological and recreational services instead of timber production is a high-benefit commodity that cannot be provided by the private sector or most private landowners. State forests and state parks are uniquely situated to provide one of the most endangered ecosystem habitats in the eastern United States: large tracts of un-fragmented interior forestlands.

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RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

• Repeal the provision of HB 153 that opened our state parks to commercial logging.

• Ban the practice of clearcutting on our state forests and promote late, not early,

successional habitat. DOF currently is putting great emphasis on the need to create more early successional habitat, which is habitat that develops after clearcutting. This type of habitat also results from natural disturbances like ice storms. Due to intense logging, this habitat exists in abundance on eastern forests, while forests that are more than 200 years old register as 0%.

• Create more wilderness areas and High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) zones

that are off-limit to commercial logging. Currently, the vast majority of our state forest system is slated for logging over the next several decades. The legislature should designate at least one-third of all state forest land as wilderness or HCVF that is free from commercial logging.

• Our state forests are legally governed by the principle of multiple-use; i.e., in

addition to logging, DOF must focus on priorities such as wildlife, habitat, and recreation. Current multiple-use management is heavily weighted towards the logging side of the equation. Setting aside no-cut areas will allow portions of our forests to grow old once more, and will help restore the balance missing from state forest management.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Cheryl Johncox Buckeye Forest Council 1200 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 103 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-9290 Cheryl@buckeyeforestcouncil.org www.buckeyeforestcouncil.org

Manure Brokering

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE You’ve heard of stock brokers and real estate brokers but until recently, the concept of brokering manure has been unimaginable. Traditionally, farmers have spread manure produced by their livestock on their own land, recycling the valuable nutrients into their soils to support next year’s crop. As industrial livestock facilities have grown in size and become more specialized, the concept of a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) has developed. On a CAFO, a very large number of animals are confined at a particular location onto which feed is imported and livestock products and manure are exported. Therefore, the amount of manure produced dramatically out-paces the availability of nearby land to properly recycle the manure. This imbalance has dramatically increased the amount of time, equipment investment, and record keeping necessary for an industrial livestock facility to responsibly manage its manure volumes. One way of avoiding these requirements is for the livestock facility to contract their manure distribution through a third-party “manure broker.” Such an arrangement relieves the livestock facility owners and managers from the obligation of record keeping (they need only report that the manure was contracted to a broker). This arrangement likewise avoids the need for investment in equipment for manure distribution, and also of their responsibility/liability for any environmental mishaps. Therefore, the challenge of dealing with the massive accumulations of manure, associated with large industrial livestock operations has increasingly fallen to third-party manure brokers. These third-party brokers are legally separate and independent from the producer of the manure and in most cases legally separate from the ultimate recipient of the manure. They operate under a certification program conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Those certified under this program are called Certified Livestock Managers (CLMs). The CLMs are required to keep records, but not required to report these records to the ODA nor are their records regarded to be a part of the CAFO permits that are required by the ODA. This distinction has created a major loophole in the regulatory structure for industrial livestock facilities.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED When a permitted livestock facility directly supervises the distribution of manure produced by its livestock, they are required to report their management plans to the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) as a part of their CAFO permit. The ODA can directly oversee the specific fields, application rates, and timing and methods of application. ODA has great leverage because its permit approval is essential for operation. Beyond that, ODA has the power to administer fines.

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In cases where the facility contracts distribution to a third-party broker, livestock facility operators benefit by simplifying their management challenge, reducing their capital investment in equipment, and avoiding liability for proper disposal. The broker may be required to keep records and follow rules for proper application rates and setbacks, but the ultimate landowner carries legal accountability for the ultimate disposition of the manure, including run-off that may occur from his or her property. This represents a major gap in the chain of accountability, effectively removing manure management plans as a part of the operating permits and making it far more difficult for an agency director to know the environmental impact of a permitted operation. So in cases where a livestock facility may reside in a nutrient-impaired watershed, and an agency director may wish to be assured that nutrients will be exported from the watershed, doing so will now require extensive detective work. Thus, the third-party brokering system hinders the agency’s ability to gain such assurances by relieving the facility manager of the obligation to submit a plan to that effect.

RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION • Third-party manure brokers should be deemed to accept sole or shared custody

for the appropriate distribution of livestock manure under their physical control. Either the livestock facility owner or the third-party contractor should be responsible for supplying a comprehensive manure distribution report to the Ohio Department of Agriculture detailing the particular location (including soil tests), rates, and date of application and soil and weather conditions. Agencies could therefore be assured of proper manure management.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Joe Logan Director of Agricultural Programs Ohio Environmental Council (614) 487-7506 Joe@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Exposures to toxic chemicals found in everyday life can lead to disabling health conditions including Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), asthma, cancer, depression, and Parkinson’s Disease. MCS is caused when exposure to toxic chemicals subsequently results in ongoing intolerance to trace amounts of numerous chemicals. Some chemical/environmental barriers to every day life include:

• Fumes from diesel engines, which contain over 40 different toxins including benzene and formaldehyde; natural gas; gasoline; and other petrochemical emissions

• Maintenance chemicals that include cleaning disinfectants, solvents, carpet shampoos, waxes, and polishes, many of which also contain dangerous inert ingredients

• Improper ventilation and oxygen levels in buildings • Construction and remodeling chemicals and equipment including wallboard,

treated woods, paints, wallpapers, solvents, glues, lacquers, and varnishes • Pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and insecticides, all of which are

dangerous and must be registered with the U.S. EPA. • Cigarette smoke • Carpet that may be manufactured from dyed and treated materials and uses

toxic foam padding and toxic glues. Chemical residue left by occupants and chemicals used to clean carpet contribute to the chemical soup

• Food contaminated with heavy metals, toxic sludge, and pesticides • Fumes emitted by copy machines, faxes, computers, printers, chlorinated,

and triplicate part papers • Fumes from perfumes, scented deodorants, hair sprays, body lotions,

laundry soaps, fabric softeners, dry cleaning, and fragrance emission devices

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Regulations, policies, and laws are needed to protect people from the escalating health and environmental impacts and resultant disabilities caused by exposures that are easily preventable. Physicians and health care providers need to be trained in this area to provide appropriate medical care to those who have been harmed. While the law provides for the accommodation of all disabilities, public places typically cannot accommodate those with MCS. Published guidelines are needed and would also benefit those suffering other health effects from environmental exposures. The U.S. Access Board completed a study of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The project, conducted by the National Institute of Building Sciences, resulted in numerous troubleshooting solutions. The IEQ Project Reports are online at http://web.archive.org/web/20060714175343/http://ieq.nibs.org/ieq_project.pdf

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IEQ Committee members learned that those with MCS react to the same environmental triggers as those with other health conditions. Only the response is different. Successful accomplishments have included inexpensive retrofitting of hospital rooms for MCS patients, the installation of diesel retrofits on ambulances and school buses, the creation of perfume-free public meetings, and guidelines for modifying rooms to accommodate those with MCS. Public places are out of the question for the chemically sensitive without accommodations for their condition. Retrofitting of diesel vehicles with emission controls and the elimination of unnecessary idling can reduce the impacts on the public’s health. Recently, the Cuyahoga County Council MCS Awareness Month Resolution passed unanimously and is being sent to all mayors and school boards in Cuyahoga County. Government offices, retail stores, employers, grocers, restaurants, apartments, hotels, entertainment facilities, and others must be educated to initiate readily achievable protocols that will protect the public. Most disabling exposures were preventable.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS How can we protect the public and accommodate those with MCS?

1. Require retrofits on all diesel ambulances and other diesel equipment 2. Require no idling policies for all vehicles 3. Legislation to control toxic emissions from lawnmowers and outdoor yard

equipment 4. Create and enforce perfume free policy for public meetings and events. 5. Require safe patient rooms and areas in all hospitals and medical offices to

accommodate those with MCS and others who have been sensitized 6. Fund education about health risks associated with consumer products 7. Provide funding and/or grants for programs that encourage and teach the

public to read labels, research ingredients, and choose safer alternatives 8. Pass legislation that provides safety measures to protect public health from

unnecessary exposures in the workplace, multi-family dwellings, and public buildings.

9. Provide legislative whistle blower protections and incentives to report those who violate

10. Create a commission to study and report to the legislature on the health effects from pesticides, fertilizers, and food additives

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Toni Temple, President Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured P.O. Box 29290 Parma, Ohio 44129 (440) 845-1888

Nutrient Application Fee

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE The use of chemical fertilizers, containing phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as recycled animal manure, has helped American farmers to achieve an impressive level of productivity in modern cropping systems. American farmers apply some 4,247,000 tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually (USGS Fact Sheet 3004, 2012). Ohio Farmers apply some 120,000 tons (Ohio Phosphorus Task Force). Traditionally, farmers have been taught that phosphorus attaches tightly to soil particles, remaining stable in the soil, so they do not need to be concerned about losing their investment in purchased phosphorus to farm run-off. More recent research has revealed that phosphorus stability is quite variable, depending on many factors including soil test, the solubility of the phosphorus compounds being used, cropping, and drainage systems. Total farm application rates of chemical fertilizer have been stable to declining in past two decades, yet levels of soluble phosphorus in lakes, rivers, and streams of agricultural watersheds have been steadily increasing as larger farms adopted surface application as their primary practice, and often defaulted to autumn applications to spread their workload. The consistent annual increase in soluble phosphorus (since 1995) has mirrored an increase in the incidence of harmful algae bloom (HABs). This problem has become so severe in some areas that entire lakes have been closed to all human contact, an action necessitated by the toxic nature of HABs. With HABs increasing in severity and frequency, threatening human health and business profits, government agencies have been spurred into action. Agencies have allocated millions of additional dollars toward remedial measures, such as alum treatment. Support has also been geared toward voluntary agricultural conservation practices targeting affected watersheds. They have also taken the unprecedented action of adopting a “distressed watershed” rule and implementing the rule In the most severely impaired watershed in Ohio. The OEC appreciates the commitment of government agencies in dealing with the effects of these extreme water quality problems, however we also understand that governments lack the resources to treat the symptoms of the growing list of affected watersheds, especially as the list now includes Lake Erie. We strongly advocate for proactive measures to deal with the major causes of the outbreaks, including nutrient pollution from agricultural operations.

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THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED

Controlling agricultural non-point pollution is inherently challenging. The principal tools used to address agricultural run-off have traditionally been voluntary conservation practices, which are offered to farmers with financial support from USDA. Adoption of these practices has been sporadic, rendering unpredictable results. Prior to the adoption of the distressed watershed rule, participation rates among farmers in persistently-impaired watersheds has remained low. Not surprisingly, voluntary conservation practices are most often adopted by those farmers who are predisposed to be environmentally responsible. Others are left to continue their bad habits and practices.

RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION The OEC proposes a targeted nutrient application fee. Such a fee would be added to each ton of phosphorus fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer, or manure. The fee would be credited back if farmers or farm supply businesses follow best management practices, such as implementing proper rates, timing, and application methods (4Rs). A program administered in this manner would: • reward (hold harmless) good environmental stewards;

• be costly only to those who engaged in environmentally risk-laden practices, providing a market-based incentive to change behavior;

• provide a revenue stream that could be used to administer the program and to support environmental remediation.

An application fee, set at the appropriate level (perhaps $5.00/ton), could be very effective in motivating farmers and farm supply businesses to change their standard practices for fertilizer application. It could also support the budgets of agencies, which may be increasingly called upon to offer more services in distressed watersheds.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Joe Logan Director of Agricultural Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Joe@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Ohio’s Clean Energy Legislation

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) is Ohio’s landmark clean energy legislation. Passed in 2008 by a 132-1 margin (Republican-controlled House and Senate, combined) and signed into law by former Democratic Governor Ted Strickland, SB 221 created one of the strongest renewable energy and energy efficiency standards in the country. Due to the high level of power production and usage in the state of Ohio,1 once the 12.5% renewable energy requirement is fully implemented by the year 2025, Ohio will produce the second highest amount of renewable energy in the country, behind only California.2 This, along with Ohio’s large manufacturing sector, has the potential to transform Ohio’s economy. Already, this important transition is beginning. According to PEW, Ohio has experienced the 4th highest level of green job growth in the country.3 Ohio is now the second largest producer of solar panels in the country, and with a new facility in Napoleon coming online soon, is poised to be the largest producer in the U.S. Several clean energy manufacturing operations have relocated to Ohio precisely because of our renewable energy standard. Equally impressive is Ohio’s energy efficiency standard. Ohio utilities must achieve a cumulative 22.5% energy savings by the year 2025. Again, if properly implemented, Ohio will have the second strongest total efficiency achievements in country, behind only California. Ohio is on the right path – and our clean energy law is attracting significant investment: More than 1,200 MW of wind generation, alone, has been permitted by Ohio’s Power Siting Board.4 Companies like Spain’s Isofoton and Prius Energy S.L. are moving manufacturing operations to Ohio.5

Ohio is becoming a national leader in energy efficiency. Already, the majority of Ohio’s investor-owned utilities have increased efficiency program budgets by massive margins; hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars are being directed into cost-effective programs, instead of existing generation, which in Ohio is primarily coal fired. In 2009 alone, the first year of the energy efficiency standard, energy efficiency programs saved enough power to serve 43,000 homes, valued at approximately $398 million.6 The savings from one utility alone in 2009 and 2010 were valued at $631 million; on program spending of $162 million, creating net savings for customers of that utility of a staggering $469 million in just two years.7 Additionally, three of Ohio’s four investor-owned utilities have easily met energy efficiency targets, bringing extensive savings to all customer classes.8

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____________________________ 1 Ohio is the 4th largest consumer of power behind Texas, California, and Florida. (2007 Data from EIA) Ohio consumes 161,771 million kwh per year. Ohio is the 7th largest producer of power in the country. 3.5% of all energy consumed in the U.S. is generated in Ohio. (2010 Data from EIA). Ohio’s renewable energy and environmental energy laws are tied to consumption, not generation. 2 Assuming Florida and Texas do not pass and implement similar renewable energy standards. 3 According to “The Clean Energy Economy” report, PEW June, 2009.

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THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED

Some are calling for a re-evaluation of this successful legislation. Such a counterproductive move could not come at a worse time, when considering Ohio’s economic recovery and slow return to growth. The renewable energy industry is leading the charge, increasing jobs at a pace unrivaled in other parts of the economy. Additionally, Ohio’s energy efficiency provisions are saving customers money. Because of SB221, Ohio is taking a major role in one of the biggest growth industries in the world. Clean energy companies, which include makers of electric cars, solar panels and biofuels, commanded 23 percent of all venture capital dollars in 2010.9 Venture capital dollars are coming to Ohio because of this legislation, and jobs and new manufacturing are the result. So what will happen if this essential legislation goes away? Ohio residential, industrial, and commercial customers will pay much more for energy in Ohio. Ohio’s energy efficiency requirements have saved consumers over half a billion dollars already. If this essential requirement goes away, consumers will pay more – much more. Ohio is becoming a remarkable leader in Green Energy research and development. Abandonment of our clean energy legislation would smother our Northwest Ohio solar manufacturing hub, our Northeast Ohio wind manufacturing hub, and other new expanding industries like fuel cell production. Utilities will be able to easily invest in large central generating plants at huge expense forgoing more prudent investments in energy efficiency and distributed generation.

RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION • Let SB221 continue to work! SB221 is saving customers money and creating

jobs. A legislative move that would work to undercut this essential legislation will stifle one the few bright spots in Ohio’s economic picture. SB 221 is about innovation, growth, and, most importantly, lower bills for all consumers: residential, commercial, and industrial.

____________________________ 5Cleveland Plain Dealer, “Huge Solar Panel Farm Coming to Southeast Ohio,” October, 5 2010. 62011 Ohio Utility Scorecard, Environment Ohio. 7AEP report to Ohio Collaborative, February 23rd, 2011. 8Only the FirstEnergy companies have shown resistance to the energy efficiency targets. FirstEnergy applied for a waiver of its 2010 efficiency obligations in late January 2011. 9Venture Investment in Clean Tech Companies Rose in 2010, Reuters, March 15, 2011.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Nolan Moser Staff Attorney, Director of Energy & Air Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Nolan@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Ohio’s State Nature Preserves

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Ohio is a heavily modified state, with little undisturbed land and very limited outdoor recreation opportunities and resources. Most of Ohio’s wetlands have been destroyed, 90+ per cent of our forests have been logged multiple times, and relatively few high quality habitats for rare species remain. Ohioans have responded by creating numerous private organizations and many local and state agencies to provide various types of land protection. The strongest legal protection provided by state government for natural lands is the Ohio Natural Areas Act, passed in 1970. This Act declares dedicated (under the Natural Areas Act) state nature preserves as the “highest and best use” of the land.

This system has afforded the strongest legal protection available in Ohio for these areas, provided for coordinated and competent management, and prevented taking via eminent domain acquisition for other purposes. Currently there are 135 dedicated preserves. More than 30 separate entities own or manage dedicated preserves, and this system has been overseen and managed by the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves within the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Private citizens, with the State’s promise that their land would always would be protected as a nature preserve, donated some of these properties to the State and to other organizations with the intent that the properties be dedicated.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED This past state fiscal year (July 2010 to June 2011) saw tax dollar funding for the State’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) drop to zero. In addition, DNR reassigned all DNAP employees to other divisions, with the Natural Heritage Program staff going to the Division of Wildlife, Scenic Rivers staff to Watercraft, and the few remaining preserve management staff to Parks and Recreation. Most of the nature preserve land managers have now accepted transfers to other jobs within State Parks and are no longer available for nature preserve management. The Natural Heritage Database was renamed and data management staff retained, but the biologists who collected and updated the data were reassigned within the Division of Wildlife such that the data is now losing value as it becomes outdated.

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Daughmer Savannah, Crawford County

Ohio State Parks has not received adequate support for 15 years and their budget and staff have been severely reduced. State Park leaders and staff are honestly try-ing to care for the preserves, but they lack the budget and knowledge to get the job done. Parks are public properties managed primarily for public use and enjoyment, while nature preserves have been acquired and managed for their rare species and high quality natural habitats. There will always be a tendency to choose the urgent, visi-ble needs of public parks instead of the less visible needs of habitat management in nature preserves. Preserves are now loosing the very species and features for which they were acquired.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS The overall goa1 is to reestablish the state’s commitment to protect Ohio’s finest natural lands within a state nature preserve system that is adequately funded and effectively managed. To accomplish this, the following actions are necessary:

1. Convince the Administration, the Legislature, and Ohio DNR of their obligation to properly care for and maintain the nature preserve system.

2. Rebuild the DNAP constituency and inform Ohioans as to the status and ac-tivities of the nature preserve system and its managers.

3. Immediately begin conducting necessary ecological management at the most fragile preserves with the help of volunteers until the program is fully reestab-lished.

4. Promote the natural areas checkoff on the personal income tax return to ac-quire both financial and widespread public support for the program and the preserves.

5. Retain DNAP as an independent Division of the ODNR.

6. Return the Heritage Database to the DNAP and provide staff sufficient to keep the data current.

7. Provide funding for land acquisition to complete or more fully protect the ex-isting preserves and to allow for acquisition of additional high quality natural lands.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Bob McCance 4306 Northridge Road Alexandria, Ohio 43001 (740) 924-6511 mccance4306@earthlink.net

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Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers

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THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Wood-fired boilers, also called hydronic heaters, burn wood to heat liquid which then heats and provides hot water to homes, buildings, and swimming pools. They are usually located outside the buildings they heat in small sheds with short smokestacks. The smoldering fires create heavy smoke and the short smokestacks release this pollution close to the ground where it lingers. Some people also burn green wood, producing even more smoke, or burn household trash or other debris which can release harmful chemicals. The recent increase in the use of outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) is of particular concern to public health and environmental agencies because the cumulative stack emissions from these appliances are usually significantly higher than other EPA-certified wood burning appliances and, unlike wood and pellet stoves, are currently unregulated. Emissions from wood-fired boilers can cause serious health problems including increased respiratory symptoms, increased hospital admissions for lower respiratory infections, worsening asthma, and a decreased ability to breathe. Research has shown that fine particular matter, like that released from wood-fired boilers, contributes to human health problems including cardiovascular disease, chronic lung conditions, and premature death. Those most at risk from wood-fired boiler pollution are children, the elderly, and those with diabetes, lung disease, and heart problems.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED The use of wood-fired boilers is increasing as people look for ways to reduce heating costs. Ohioans have purchased over 20,000 outdoor boilers since 1990. Sales continue to increase.

High fuel costs make wood-fired boilers an appealing purchase and sales are likely to continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Outdoor wood-fired boilers emit much more pollution than other stoves and furnaces used for heat. In fact, one outdoor wood-fired boiler can emit as much soot, or fine particle pollution, as :

• 2 heavy-duty diesel trucks; • 22 EPA-certified indoor wood stoves; • 45 passenger cars; • 205 oil furnaces; OR OR OR OR • 8,000 natural gas furnaces

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RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS The Ohio EPA should adopt the model regulation created by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. These regulations require new wood-fired boilers to meet reasonable emissions standards to protect the public’s health and prohibit the burning of materials that would produce toxic chemicals. The model regulations require existing boilers that do not meet prescribed emissions standards to make adjustments to protect the health of neighbors, including:

• Installing a boiler at least 500 feet from a property line, and • Having a permanent smokestack that is five feet higher than the peak of

any roof structure within 150 feet of the boiler.

• Prohibiting OWB use during the summer months and in heavily populated areas.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information David R. Celebrezze Director of Air & Water Special Projects Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 David@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Shelly Kiser Director of Advocacy American Lung Association in Ohio 1950 Arlingate Lane Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 279-1700 Skiser@ohiolung.org www.ohiolung.org

Property Assessed Clean Energy

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE In July 2009, Ohio enacted Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) legislation (House Bill 1). Under Ohio’s original PACE financing law, local municipalities and townships can assist property owners in financing solar improvements such as photovoltaic (PV) or solar-thermal systems. In June 2010, Senate Bill 232 was enacted and broadened the scope of PACE financing to include generated systems such as wind, biomass, and gasification systems as well as energy efficiency improvements that are permanently fixed to real property. Once implemented on the local level, these bills will allow Ohio residents and businesses to make investments in energy efficiency and small- and medium-scale solar and other clean energy technologies to homes and commercial and industrial property with low-cost, low interest loans. Under the laws, participating municipalities and townships must establish a Special Energy Improvement District (SID) to facilitate solar improvement financing. Any municipality choosing to establish a SID is authorized by law to issue bonds and apply for state or federal money to fund such programs. Once the homeowner’s system is approved by the city, a program administrator pays the installer for the system that the homeowner purchases. A check is forwarded directly to the installer and there is no upfront payment for the homeowner, except possibly a deposit. Property owners who take advantage of PACE financing and use municipal financing to install solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, gasification, or energy efficiency improvements must agree to a special assessment on their property tax bill for up to 30 years in order to pay for the financing, which can include up to 100% of the cost of energy improvements.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Like all assessments, projects with PACE assessments in arrears have a senior lien to mortgage payments in the event of a default. In other words, in the event of nonpayment of the assessment, the respective local government has the ability to foreclose on the property in the same manner as for nonpayment of taxes. Proceeds from a foreclosure would be used to pay off the PACE assessment before the mortgage. Based on the first lien priority status over a mortgage, in July 2010, the Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) issued a statement raising its concerns and directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac not to underwrite mortgages for properties with a PACE assessment. The FHFA also directed mortgage lenders to redline communities with PACE programs by tightening lending standards.

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Municipalities and townships interested in creating such districts and providing financing for property owners must circulate a petition for eligible property owners to opt in to the program. Once the petition is complete and property owners have opted in, the local government must approve a special energy improvement district via ordinance or resolution. A special improvement district board of directors must be created (if one did not already exist) to implement the program. Each local municipality must determine specific eligibility criteria, the maximum loan amount and interest rates, and other loan terms. The loans are low interest. Ohio’s community financing laws have been successful, but only make solar investments eligible for the special improvement district treatment. We need to expand the program to include low cost energy efficiency and other clean energy investments. RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS • PACE encourages energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in our

homes and businesses by providing low-cost, long-term financing. Because basic energy efficiency measures can significantly cut energy costs, annual energy savings typically will exceed the cost of PACE assessments. It is important that Ohio residents and businesses have the opportunity to take advantage of PACE financing and install energy improvements such as weather sealing, insulation, new windows, and solar installations. Also, property owners participating who own a qualifying advanced- and renewable-energy project may be eligible for a variety of federal tax credits. Overall, the potential benefits of the successful implementation of a PACE program in Ohio are considerable.

• Numerous lawsuits have been filed across the country seeking to uphold the validity of PACE programs. Also, the federal PACE Assessment Protection Act of 2010 was introduced in the United States House of Representatives (H.B. 5766) and United States Senate (S. 3642). These bills were introduced to ensure that FHFA underwriting standards are consistent with, and facilitate the use of, PACE programs.

• Ohio must develop a coalition to help fight to reinstall PACE programs. We can promote the benefits of PACE financing and request that legislatures sign on to a resolution cracking down on Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Nolan Moser Staff Attorney, Director of Energy & Air Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Nolan@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Public Participation & Transparency

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Transparency is a necessity when governmental decisions impact human and environmental health. A transparent government, however, must not act as if it’s in a fish bowl, open for the people to see but still shutting out the people from direct participation. Transparency must incorporate a dialogue where ideas are communicated clearly and effectively, participation is afforded to all who seek it, and state agencies are accountable to its citizens. The goal of participation is to improve the quality, legitimacy, and capacity of environmental assessments and decisions. Studies show that effective participation leads to better results in terms of environmental quality and other social objectives, and can enhance trust and understanding among parties.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Transparency in State Legislation Much of the activity that goes into the creation and passage of state legislation happens in standing committees. However, the testimony from witnesses, and the questions asked by legislators, witnesses’ answers, and commentary from witnesses and legislators is not transcribed nor in any way made available to the public. Such “legislative transparency” is vital not only to inform the public of the activities of their government, but to memorialize the true intent of legislation, and keep legislators accountable for what they say (or sometime what they do not say) during this vital part of the legislative process. Further, floor session debates, which provide legislators the opportunity to explain why they are voting a certain way on legislation needs to be codified and widely disseminated in order to help keep lawmakers accountable. Transparency in Agency Decision-making Concerning executive agency decisions, too often, the public is provided an opportunity to comment on regulatory changes and permits only after a draft decision is made. For a decision that the agency has taken 6 to 12 months to decide, the public has 30 days to read, seek counsel, and provide meaningful comment. Public and stakeholder involvement as early as practical in the process would allow the agency to conduct a complete and objective analysis, limit unnecessary legal action, and foster community understanding on sometimes controversial issues. Participation, too, is only effective if the public is adequately notified. Notice of regulatory actions is routinely given through newspaper publication and sometimes by online posting. It is impractical to assume that citizens will be adequately informed only through a newspaper posting.

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The agency must be accountable to all parties interested in regulatory changes and permits. Despite well-intentioned efforts, agencies often do not provide adequate responses to community comments or explanations for decisions made in final actions. For the benefit of the parties who took the time, effort, and limited resources to comment on a proposed action, and the validity of the decision-making process, the decision maker must explain why the comment was or was not considered in the final decision.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS Legislative Transparency The General Assembly must amend its rules and/or pass legislation to allow for:

• Transcription of all legislative committee hearings, including: testimony, questions from legislators, answers, and commentary;

• Transcription of legislative floor sessions and debates; • Dissemination of these transcripts on readily available websites or otherwise

easily accessible by the public; • A mechanism to codify legislative intent for all legislation;

Executive Agency Transparency

• The Ohio General Assembly should conduct a robust accounting of the best and most productive modes of informing and involving the interested public in decision-making. Ohio must pass one clear and concise law on transparency and public participation processes for all decisions by executive agencies dealing with human and environmental health impacts.

• The Ohio General Assembly should require each state agency to publish its responses to any oral and written testimony received, acknowledging the comment and the agency’s official reasoning for or against incorporating it into the permit or regulation at issue.

• State agencies must take all practical measures to involve stakeholders and community members throughout the decision-making process. The Ohio General Assembly should review current rules and statutes on public participation, and eliminate any potential barriers to full and effective public involvement.

• Technology should be utilized to provide real-time transparent and accurate information on permit processing status. Such a permit tracking system should be readily available and easily identifiable online, and should track permits from the moment an application is received.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Trent Dougherty Staff Attorney, Director of Legal Affairs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Trent@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Residential Building Energy Codes

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Building energy codes lay out the minimum requirements for insulation, windows, HVAC equipment, lighting, and other building attributes for energy efficiency. Energy codes are designed to protect property owners from high energy bills. Stronger energy codes also protect the environment and public health by reducing our reliance on dirty energy sources. While Ohio is leading the U.S. in green job development and our low-income weatherization program is one of the best nationwide, we also have some of the weakest residential building codes in the Midwest. Dozens of environmental organizations, consumer advocates, businesses, and public interest groups have joined together to call for more energy efficient codes in Ohio. The national model code for residential construction is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which is created by the nation’s leading home builders, engineers, architects, consumer advocates, building officials, and consumer advocates. Ohio’s current code is weaker than the 2006 IECC, even though ICF International estimated that most homes built to the 2009 IECC would cost less during construction than Ohio’s current code while saving consumers at least $220 annually in utility bills. In 2008, Ohio also reclassified the climate zone designations, by extending lower efficiency standards to an additional 27 counties or 30% of Ohio’s total population. The new climate zones are an arbitrarily, harmful, and unnecessary change from zones defined and vetted by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED A strong residential energy code:

• Immediately lowers energy costs to the homeowner, creating a positive cash flow from Day One.

• Reduces the cost of construction because better insulated homes require

smaller furnaces. • Protects homebuyers from high energy costs, reducing risk of foreclosure. • Supports Ohio jobs for the design and manufacturing of insulation and other

efficiency technologies, and provides Ohio a competitive edge in these industries

• Reduces health and environmental effects of increased energy consumption. • Allows the State of Ohio to obtain free or low-cost training for code officials

and builders from the U. S. Department of Energy.

• Allows consumers to spend the money saved on energy bills in other sectors of Ohio’s economy.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

• Ohio should adopt the 2009 IECC and set in place policies to require the adoption of the IECC immediately after a new version is published every three years.

• Ohio should adopt the climate zone map created by the U.S. Department of Energy.

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information Natalie Fox Sierra Club Ohio Chapter 131 North High Street Suite 605 Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 461-0734 natalie.fox@sierraclub.org

Nolan Moser Staff Attorney, Director of Energy & Air Programs Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 Nolan@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Vernal Pools: Ohio’s Hidden Wonders

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Healthy wetlands are a vital component of our communities. Ohio is a water-rich state (“Ohio” means “Good River,” named by the Iroquois people) and it is appropriate that the state formally designate wetlands, in particular the vernal pool, for official recognition. Having a state wetland designation acknowledges the important role wetlands play in slowing flood waters and increasing property values, and highlights the unique natural landscape of Ohio. Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that fill up with snow melt and rain water in spring and usually dry up in mid-to-late summer. They can be as small as a few feet across or as large as several acres. However, each has been shaped and molded over decades or even hundreds of years.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Vernal pools are different than other bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, and other wetlands. Because vernal pools dry up, they do not contain predatory fish. This makes vernal pools valuable amphibian reproductive areas. Vernal pools can be found in all 88 counties in Ohio and provide habitat for a plethora of animals including migratory birds, turtles, snakes, frogs and toads, salamanders, and hundreds of species of invertebrates. Some of Ohio’s rare and endangered species, such as the blue spotted salamander and the spotted turtle, call vernal pools home or rely on them for their habitat. Current efforts are under way by nonprofit organizations such as the Ohio Environmental Council and the Ohio Vernal Pool Partnership to monitor and document Ohio’s vernal pools. On any given night in the spring, thousands of

animals utilize these special places for breeding, eating, and sleeping. Scientists continue to research and reveal vernal pools’ unique ecosystem. For example, the eggs (called “cysts”) of the fairy shrimp that inhabit vernal pools can lay dormant in the ground for more than a decade before hatching. Fairy shrimp are the fresh water cousin to the brine shrimp.

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For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information David R. Celebrezze Director of Air & Water Special Projects Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 David@theOEC.org

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Vernal pools not only benefit wildlife, but people as well. As wetlands, they slow flood waters that otherwise would damage private property and public infrastructure. Vernal pools also filter sediment from entering streams and rivers. According the Ohio EPA, sediment is the number one waterway pollutant. Vernal pools support the many animals that eat mosquitoes and their larvae, including frogs, toads, salamanders, dragonflies, and birds. Vernal pools also provide an excellent teaching tool for educating young people about life cycles, geology, and hydrology.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

• The Ohio General Assembly should pass legislation that recognizes the vernal pool as the official state wetland and prohibit any impacts to vernal pools until a comprehensive database of vernal pools is created. This modest effort would draw much new public recognition and appreciation of these important, but quickly disappearing, natural wonders.

• The Ohio EPA should adopt strong protections for vernal pools. Because of

their small size, they usually are overlooked or clumped into low quality wetlands.

Wetlands

THE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUETHE ISSUE Ohio once had approximately 5 million acres of wetlands throughout the state. These dynamic ecosystems provide a plethora of benefits to our communities and are critical contributors to our overall well-being. However, since the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, we have destroyed more than 90% of those wetlands. Ohio ranks second (only to California) in percentage of wetlands lost. As a result, we must put a premium on our remaining wetlands. Wetlands provide many benefits to our state and our communities. Wetlands store and slowly release flood waters that would otherwise cause damage to private property and public infrastructure (such as roads, bridges, buildings, etc.), and contribute to underground water aquifers during times of drought. They allow suspended materials in the water to filter out to the bottom before entering in our rivers and streams. According the Ohio EPA, sediment is the number one waterway pollutant in Ohio. Urban wetlands are usually ranked as “low quality” based on biological diversity. However, their physical and chemical functions are highly valuable because they filter out pollutants that otherwise would reach our rivers and streams. These wetlands play a vital role in the urban setting. Wetlands remove carbon from the air and sequester it. When a wetland is destroyed, the carbon is released and carbon sequestration ceases. A report by the Ohio State University revealed that a one-acre wetland in a temperate zone (like Ohio) can store about 1,250 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. In addition, wetlands provide habitat for thousands of species that rely either completely or partially on wetlands for their life cycles. They also provide opportunities for photography, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and education, and an opportunity to escape the stressful day-to-day life in the city for individuals and families. Wetland types include vernal pools, marshes, fens, bogs, and swamps.

THE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEEDTHE NEED Despite these many benefits, wetlands continue to be damaged or destroyed. The Ohio EPA’s 401 wetland and stream permit program does not address all of the benefits that are lost when a wetland is impacted and does not require a natural inventory prior to permitting. Once the wetland is impacted, the wildlife disappears or is displaced, sometimes moving closer to residential areas, causing conflicts with human populations.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Ohio General Assembly should pass legislation that requires a natural inventory for all 401 applicants to be performed by the applicant. This inventory should reflect the true diversity of a site and not a one-time visit. The inventory should document all birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates (critical links in the food web) and should reflect nocturnal, ephemeral, and diurnal species. This will help to ensure that the mitigated wetland will replace all the original wetland’s values and functions.

• This legislation also should give the Ohio EPA the authority to develop the

system in which a permittee shall collect the data. The Ohio General Assembly should allocate the resources needed for this inventory.

• The Ohio General Assembly should pass legislation placing a moratorium on

wetland impacts in the watersheds of impaired rivers and streams. This would allow the state’s actions to bring these waterways up to the targets of swimmable and fishable water quality.

An Ohio wetland Wetland loss due to development

For More InformationFor More InformationFor More InformationFor More Information David R. Celebrezze Director of Air & Water Special Projects Ohio Environmental Council 1207 Grandview Avenue, Ste. 201 Columbus, OH 43212 (614) 487-7506 David@theOEC.org www.theOEC.org

Ohio Environmental-Conservation Groups

1000 Friends of Central Ohio Akron Garden Club All Aboard Ohio Alliance For Regional Transit American Community Gardening Association American Farmland Trust American Rivers Audubon Ohio Audubon Society – Canton Audubon Society – Cincinnati Audubon Society – Clark County Audubon Society – Columbus Audubon Society – Firelands Audubon Society – Miami Valley Audubon Society – Tri-Moraine Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm Black Swamp Bird Observatory Black Swamp Conservancy Blanchard Township PEARLS Breakneck Creek Watershed Coalition Buckeye Environmental Network Buckeye Forest Council Buckeye Trail Association B-W Greenway Community Land

Trust Center for Farmland Preservation

in NE Ohio Central Ohio Green Education Fund Central Ohio Watershed Council Chagrin River Land Conservancy Chagrin River Watershed Partners Cincinnati Nature Center Citizens for Clean Air & Water Citizens of Putnam County for

Clean Air & Water Clark County Audubon Society Clean Air Conservancy Clean Fuels Ohio Clean Water Network Cleveland MetroParks Clinton StreamKeeper Association Consider Biking Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters

Crown Point Ecology Center The Dawes Arboretum Delta Institute Duck & Otter Creeks Partnership Ducks Unlimited Earth Day Coalition EarthWatch Institute East Fork Watershed Cleveland EcoVillage Environment Ohio Environmental Defense Environmental Health Watch Environmental Law & Policy Center Enviroscapes Landscape Design Firelands Audubon Society Firelands Land Conservancy Flora-Quest Food Matters Columbus Franciscan Earth Literacy Center Franklin Park Conservatory French Creek Project Freshwater Future Friends of Alum Creek & Tributaries Friends of Arcola Creek Friends of Big Creek Friends of Big Walnut Creek Friends of Conneaut Creek Friends of Hocking River Friends of MetroParks Friends of Minnow Creek The Friends of Old Woman Creek Friends of Pike Run Friends of the Crooked River Friends of the Earth Friends of the Hocking River Friends of the Lower Olentangy

Watershed Friends of the Scioto River Friends of Wetlands Friends of Whiskey Island Gallipolis Bass Busters Garden Club of Cincinnati Garden Club of Ohio Gates Mills Land Conservancy GCO Environmental Council Grand Lake St. Mary’s Lake Improvement Association Grand River Partners

Greater Cleveland Partnership Greater Ohio Campaign Great Lakes Fishery Commission Green City Blue Lake Green Columbus Green Creek Wildlife Society Green Energy Ohio Green Environmental Coalition Green Ribbon Initiative Greenways of Greater Dayton Hocking Voice Indian Lake Watershed Project Innovative Farmers of Ohio Izaak Walton League of America – Akron Men Izaak Walton League of America – Black River Izaak Walton League of America – Buckeye All-State Izaak Walton League of America – Capitol City Izaak Walton League of America – Cincinnati Izaak Walton League of America – Delta Izaak Walton League of America – Ely Izaak Walton League of America – Fairfield Izaak Walton League of America – Fremont Izaak Walton League of America – Hamilton Izaak Walton League of America – Hocking Izaak Walton League of America – Ken Amsbary Izaak Walton League of America – Lawrence Izaak Walton League of America – Martin L Davey Izaak Walton League of America – Medina Izaak Walton League of America – Monroeville/Huron Izaak Walton League of America – Mount Healthy Izaak Walton League of America – Ohio Division

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Izaak Walton League of America – Seven Mile Izaak Walton League of America – Tallawanda Izaak Walton League of America – Tiffin-Seneca Izaak Walton League of America – Wadsworth Izaak Walton League of America – Wayne Kent Environmental Council Lake Erie Charter Boat Association Lake Erie Nature & Science

Center Lake Erie WATERKEEPER Lake Improvement Association Lake MetroParks League of Ohio Sportsmen League of Women Voters – Ohio League of Women Voters – Perrysburg Little Beaver Creek Land Foundation Little Cuyahoga River

Conservancy Little Miami, Inc. Little Miami River Partnership Local Matters Loveland Greenbelt Community

Council Marianist Environmental Education Center Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor Medina Summit Land

Conservancy Miami Conservancy District Miami County Park District Miami Valley RCD Council Mid-Ohio Regional Planning

Commission Mill Creek Restoration Project Mohican Protection Group Monday Creek Restoration Project Moxahala Watershed Restoration Committee National Wildlife Federation-

Great Lakes Regional Center

Native Plant Society of Miami Valley

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes The Nature Conservancy - Ohio Chapter NEOGAP NEFCO New Albany Community Nature

Preserve Nimishillen Creek Watershed North Central Ohio Land Conservancy Northeast Ohio Watershed Council Northwest Neighborhood

Alliance Northwest Ohio Greenway Coalition Northwest Ohio Watershed Council Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition Ohio Alliance for the Environment Ohio Bass Federation Ohio Bicycle Federation Ohio Citizen Action Ohio Coastal Resource Management Project Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Ohio Environmental Council Ohio Farmers Union Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Ohio Green Living Ohio Greenways Ohio League of Conservation

Voters Ohio NEMO Ohio Network for the Chemically

Injured Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy Ohio Smallmouth Alliance Ohio to Erie Trail Ohio Wildlife Center

Ohioans for Health, Environment and Justice Old Woman Creek Research Reserve Olentangy River Valley

Association Pheasants Forever Policy Matters Ohio Portage River Basin Council Protect Our Earth’s Treasures Raccoon Creek Partnership Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Raven Rocks. Rivers Unlimited Rocky Fork Creek Watershed

Protection Task Force Rural Action Scenic Ohio Shawnee Nature Club Sierra Club –

Northeastern Ohio Sierra Club – Ohio Chapter SOAR Energy Southeast Ohio Watershed Council Southern Ohio Smallmouth Alliance Southwest Ohio Watershed Council Stillwater Watershed Project Stratford Ecological Center Tecumseh Land Trust Three Valley Conservation Trust Tinkers Creek Land

Conservancy Tri-County Protect Our Water

Coalition Tri-Moraine Audubon Society Trout Unlimited Trust for Public Land U.S. Sportsman's Alliance Voice for the Forest West Creek Preservation Committee Western Lake Erie Waterkeeper Association Western Reserve Land Conservancy The Wilds

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