Issues in Focus : Preserving Our Natural Resources

The Coughlin family are frequent users of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the MetroParks, and the Ohio and Erie Canalway. Environmental stewardship was instilled in Kevin at a young age. Today, he is working to protect our natural resources and enhance our region with leadership for a cleaner, healthier Ohio.

The Path to Progress

Clean Ohio. Use the state's Clean Ohio Funds to restore greenspace, preserve habitat, clean-up industrial brownfields, and build recreational opportunities for our citizens. Stay committed to funding the following:
- Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund for brownfield cleanup
- Clean Ohio Conservation Fund for natural resources, parks, and recreation
- Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Fund for farmland preservation
- Clean Ohio Trail Fund for recreational trails
Restore the Gorge. Kevin is teaming up with concerned citizens and the MetroParks to stop a hydro electric plant at the Gorge Dam and to create a recreational gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley along the river.
Stop Other States From Dumping Trash in Ohio. Kevin is fighting to strengthen Ohio landfill siting rules and regulations to make it less attractive for out-of-state trash to be shipped here.
Protect Lake Erie. Prohibit drilling under Lake Erie. Protect the lake's shoreline by establishing the high water mark as the line between private property and public trust. Stay committed to the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact between states and Canadian provinces to protect our water from being shipped to other regions of the country or the world.
Preserve Our Scenic Byways. Ohio should work with local governments to discourage or ban billboard advertising along our states scenic byways.
Lead by Example, Be Efficient for the Taxpayer. At least 35% of the state vehicle fleet should be hybrids.
Properly Fund Our State Parks. Our state parks should be free for all to enjoy. Kevin Coughlin will work to continue proper support of our parks so that user or access fees are never levied.

A Record of Progress

Kevin Coughlin has helped secure millions of Clean Ohio Funds dollars for brownfield cleanup, natural resource, parks, and recreation grants
- Over $163 million has been set aside brownfield cleanup
- Over $112 million has been set aside for natural resource, parks, and recreation grants
- Over $21 million has been set aside for the purchase of farmland development rights
- Over $18 million has been granted for the creation and restoration of recreational trails.
Named Friend of the Canal in 2006, Kevin is a strong supporter of the Ohio and Erie Canalway.
Working with citizens, Kevin helped close the dangerous Hardy Road Landfill.
Kevin co-sponsored Ohio's new law to create tough regulations for construction, demolition, and debris landfills.
Kevin Coughlin supported the Ohio Air Pollution Control Act creates uniform standards for air quality throughout Ohio.

Did You Know?

Ohio is home to 74 state parks, 130 nature preserves, 12 scenic rivers, and 20 state forests?
Ohio's only national park, The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in Kevin Coughlin's Senate district?