TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) – Ohio lawmakers in the House have approved legislation that's meant to cut down on the algae plaguing Lake Erie.
The measure says farmers in much of northwestern Ohio will no longer be allowed to spread manure on frozen or rain-soaked farm fields. That practice is thought to contribute to the algae blooms that contaminated Toledo's drinking water supply last August.
The bill approved Tuesday is one of two similar proposals moving through the state Legislature.
Lawmakers backing the bill in the Ohio House say they tried to balance the need for clean water without infringing too much on farmers.
But environmental groups think the House bill has too many loopholes that would allow farmers to avoid penalties even if they continue to put manure on fields during the winter.
