Is a critical collaboration between Ohio leaders to conserve Ohio’s most precious natural resource working? The state’s H2Ohio program united three state agencies to create more wetlands, reduce harmful fertilizer runoff, and ensure access throughout the state to clean drinking water. With a recent study showing that half the country’s tap water contains “forever chemicals” that may cause cancer and other health issues, and drinking water disasters impacting East Palestine, Ohio, Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi, are Ohio’s elected officials, farmers, developers, and environmental advocates working together successfully to ensure future access to clean drinking water? For the first time ever, CMC welcomes three current members of Governor Mike DeWine’s cabinet on a single panel.

The panelists are:

Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture 

Mary Mertz, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Anne Vogel, Director, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency 

The host is Natalie Fahmy, Ohio Statehouse Reporter, NBC4.

This forum was sponsored by Advanced Drainage Systems, Del-Co Water Company, Burgess & Niple, The Green Funds of the Columbus Foundation, and the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.

It was supported by the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

The livestream was presented by The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation and The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was recorded before a live audience in Columbus, Ohio on August 9, 2023.