Two bills currently pending in the General Assembly would double the municipal solid waste fee from $0.25 per ton to $0.50 per ton. Proceeds from this fee increase would fund the local Solid and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. There was an attempt to include the bills, Senate Bill 228 and House Bill 463, as an amendment in last year’s state budget bill. They were rejected at that time due to strong opposition. Now the bills have been introduced in standalone fashion. House Bill 463 had sponsor testimony late last month. SWCDs are independent political subdivisions of state government organized along county boundaries providing technical assistance to urban and rural land users. An elected board of local citizens provides SWCD leadership. Local offices provide education and programs at the local level. Most programs are designed for agricultural and nonpoint sources. Therefore, these bills appear to be a fee increase for almost no new benefit for manufacturers. The OMA is working with allies to oppose these new potential fee increases. 2/8/2018