US SB3796

Establishes the Ohio River Basin Restoration Program within the EPA to fund large-scale restoration and protection projects across 15 states (Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, New York, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and South Carolina)

Creates an Ohio River National Program Office headed by a Program Director who coordinates EPA actions, develops restoration plans, and facilitates tribal consultation through the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Authorizes $350 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031 to support projects improving water quality, fish and wildlife habitat restoration, aquatic invasive species control, toxic substance remediation, flood resilience, and public recreation access

Requires development of measurable actionable goals within 1 year and a comprehensive action plan within 2 years of enactment, with mandatory updates every 5 years and annual progress reports to Congress

Establishes an advisory council with representatives from each Ohio River Basin state, tribal governments, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission to guide project selection and program implementation