Ohio’s new rules to clamp down on some of the pollutants feeding the toxic algae in Lake Erie aren’t likely to show immediate results.
Backers of the legislation approved this past week in the Ohio Statehouse say it will be at least a couple years before it’s known how the changes will affect water quality.
That’s because there are many factors that have led to the algae outbreaks. Some Ohio lawmakers think neighboring states including Michigan and Indiana need to take action to reduce their pollutants going into Lake Erie.
Ohio’s governor is expected to sign into law the legislation that among other things will stop northwestern Ohio farmers from spreading manure on frozen fields.
Environmental groups say the move is a good step but more needs to be done.