Roemer Introduces New E-Check Legislation

State Representative Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) today introduced a new piece of legislation that would require the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within 90 days, to formally request the elimination of E-Check in the seven Northeast Ohio counties (Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Geauga, Medina, Lake, and Portage) if the U.S. EPA determines the region has moved from non-attainment to attainment status.

"For too long, Northeast Ohio has been unfairly penalized by the E-Check program. We've seen significant air quality improvement over the past 30 years," said Roemer. "It's time to end E-Check, and my legislation will do exactly that if the U.S. EPA determines we've reached air quality attainment."

Representative Roemer has championed several bills and initiatives over the last eight years that have worked to address concerns with the E-Check Program. These items include the following:

• Sponsored the E-Check Ease Act included in the State of Ohio Transportation Budget - April 2025
• Encouraged constituents to participate in the public comment period on proposed changes, subsequent U.S. EPA rejection, and continued ongoing discussions with Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA leadership - December 2025
• Authored a letter to the Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel, urging the elimination of E-Check in Northeast Ohio - recognizing air quality improvements - July 2023
• H.R. 56 - Legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal Government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act to eliminate the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted June 2021
• H.R 247 - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Roemer, urging the Federal Government to amend the Federal Clean Air Act by eliminating the requirement to implement the E-Check Program - adopted February 2020
• Called for a comprehensive examination of E-Check: assessing its effectiveness, costs, and impact on Northeast Ohio residents - June 2019

Roemer is eager to see this bill across the finish line. This legislation awaits a number and committee assignment.