The Ohio Governor's proposed budget was released yesterday, including the proposed two-year budget for Ohio EPA and the Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC). The proposed budget outlines the Governor's environmental objectives/priorities as well as provides some clue as to where the Governor wants and does not want to spend money. Overall, Ohio EPA's funding for 2012 will decrease 11.8% from 2011 numbers, plus an additional 2% decrease for 2013. Some significant changes include: 97.4% reduction in Air Pollutions Control Administration; 97.3% reduction for RCRA Corrective Action (this is a one year reduction with an increase planned for 2013); 73.3% reduction for scrap tire management; 51.9% reduction for Construction & Demolition Debris; 95.9% reduction in Groundwater Support; and 70.7% reduction in Water Pollution Control Administration. The proposed budget also discusses the consolidation of Ohio EPA's Hazardous Waste Management, Emergency and Remedial Response and Solid and Infection Waste programs.
It is proposed that ERAC receive a one year, 19.1% increase in its budget, which will likely allow it to buy some technology/equipment to bring its docketing system (currently all hand-written) into the 21st century.