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Momentum Builds to Stop Radioactive Brine Spreading on Ohio Roads as Monday (2/17) Hearing Deadline Looms
WHO: Buckeye Environmental Network, the Ohio Farmers Union, state legislators including State Sens. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Kent Smith (D-Euclid)
WHAT: A call for public testimony on SB 329, a bill designed to ban the practice of spreading radioactive oil and gas waste (brine) on local Ohio roads.
WHEN: The hearing will take place Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Ohio Statehouse- 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio - Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, North Hearing Room
The Public Testimony Portal is open now, and will close Monday afternoon, February 16th:
https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/agriculture-and-natural-resources/meetings/cmte_s_ag_nat_res_1_2026-02-17-0300_1060/upload-testimony
A powerful effort to protect Ohio’s drinking water and agricultural land is reaching a critical milestone this week. As the Ohio Senate prepares for a legislative hearing this Tuesday, a coalition of farmers, environmental advocates, and lawmakers is working together to ensure that every Ohioan can travel on safe, clean roads.
If passed, SB 329 would prohibit the practice of spreading oil and gas waste, often called “brine”, as a deicer and dust suppressant on all Ohio roads. Recent coverage by ABC6 and Land Line Media has brought national attention to the issue, highlighting that these materials can contain Radium-226 at levels 200 to 300 times higher than federal safety standards.
The push to ban this practice has created a powerful and broad coalition. The Ohio Farmers Union has joined environmental advocates to protect our agricultural future, while leaders from both parties are speaking out in favor of the change. State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) has stated, "This is common sense legislation."
State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and State Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) have joined this bipartisan effort, having long advocated for environmental protection, increased transparency , and public health for all Ohioans.
"We are incredibly heartened to see such a strong, united front for the safety of our communities," says Anton Kreiger of the Buckeye Environmental Network. "This is a positive step forward for everyone in Ohio. We also want to express our sincere appreciation for Chairman Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and the members of the committee for taking the time to hear this bill and prioritizing the protection of our state’s natural resources. When we work together like this, we can ensure a healthier future for our families and our farmland."
The involvement of the Ohio Farmers Union underscores the importance of this bill to the state's agricultural economy. Because these radioactive elements can remain in the soil for thousands of years, preventing their application on roads is vital to maintaining the integrity of Ohio's food supply and water sources.
Advocates are encouraging all concerned citizens to use the newly opened testimony portal to share their support before the 3pm Monday deadline. While the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) moved away from using these materials years ago, passing this legislation will ensure that the same high safety standards apply to every local road in Ohio.
