State Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta, was among those testifying this week in support of House Concurrent Resolution 40, which urges Congress to enact the Ohio River Restoration Program Act.

Speaking before the House Natural Resources Committee, Ritter reminded those in Washington, D.C., of what we here already know.

“The Ohio River Basin is not merely an environmental asset,” he said. “It is a productive economic engine that supports jobs, commerce, transportation, and regional competitiveness.”

The act in question would create a federal restoration initiative for the Ohio River basin, with investments in improving drinking water quality, protecting public health, restoring ecosystems AND supporting local economies.

According to the organization American Rivers, the Ohio River is the second-most endangered river in the country because of what that groups described as “water quality degradation, harmful algae blooms, toxic contamination, aging infrastructure and flooding events.”

Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, R-New Waterford, joined Ritter in testifying in support of the measure.

“This resolution sends a clear message that Ohio recognizes the importance of preserving and restoring the Ohio River, and that we support bipartisan efforts at the federal level to ensure this critical resource remains healthy and productive for decades to come,” she said.

One would think efforts to support the health of something as important to the WHOLE country as the Ohio River would be an easy decision for lawmakers. But the folks inside the Beltway are an isolated, stubborn bunch.

Ritter and Robb Blasdel must continue their efforts to support this resolution.