The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) and Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) applaud the recent passage by the Ohio Senate of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 634, bipartisan legislation that would invest $20 million in farm equipment and other initiatives to help farmers reduce phosphorus runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

The two pieces of legislation, known jointly as Clean Lake 2020, would also invest significant resources in dredging prevention, research and monitoring, and conservation programs. OSA and OCWGA both testified in support of SB 299 last week.

“The health of Lake Erie has been a priority for Ohio grain farmers for many years, and they have invested their own dollars in research and education programs in an effort to be part of the solution,” said Allen Armstrong, OSA president. “Clean Lake 2020 will help farmers implement even more best management practices and achieve our goals faster.”

The Ohio House is expected to consider and vote on HB 634 in the coming weeks.

“This is an example of good, bipartisan work on behalf of Lake Erie,” said Mark Drewes, OCWGA president. “Working collaboratively with all stakeholders and making science-based policy is essential to making real progress.”