Columbus, OH — The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund today released its 133rd Ohio General Assembly Scorecard. The scorecard includes both narratives and scores that reflect state lawmakers’ and the DeWine Administration’s actions on key environmental legislation and decisions during the 133rd Ohio General Assembly, which spanned 2019 and 2020.
The OEC Action Fund created the scorecard to hold Ohio lawmakers accountable for votes that damage our environment, as well as to celebrate those lawmakers who have championed pro-environmental legislation. In addition to a review of the actions taken on energy, water, public lands, and democracy during the 133rd Ohio General Assembly, the scorecard also details the OEC Action Fund’s outlook on key legislation and administrative action needed to ensure a healthier environment for all Ohioans.
“Every single Ohioan deserves clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and high-quality local parks to explore,” said Heather Taylor-Mielse, president of the OEC Action Fund. “We celebrate forward-thinking critical investments to reduce toxic algae and preserve precious public lands in our scorecard. But we must move faster and more aggressively to cut carbon pollution. During the 133rd Ohio General Assembly, cheating corporations and corrupt politicians used money and power to rig the rules for their profit at the expense of Ohioans’ health and pocketbooks. We must hold our lawmakers accountable for their actions. The fight to protect our environment has never been easy, but Ohio’s future is worth it.”
Overall, the Ohio House and Senate passed meaningful legislation investing in water and land protections in Ohio during the 133rd General Assembly. Unfortunately, the passage of House Bill 6—and subsequent allegations that the bill was passed as part of the largest bribery and money laundering scheme in Ohio’s history—cast a dark shadow on the legislative session. In addition to their failure to repeal this corrupt legislation, the Ohio House attempted to advance anti-science legislation that would have limited the powers of the Governor to put in place public health orders to protect Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of these actions, the Ohio House receives a low score of 4.3 while the Ohio Senate receives a moderate score of 7.1 in the OEC Action Fund’s 133rd General Assembly Scorecard.
The scorecard further reviewed the actions of Gov. DeWine during the first two years of his term. Gov. DeWine has been a leader on land and water, making historic strides to improve water quality and drinking water infrastructure and grow Ohio’s parks and natural areas. Unfortunately, Gov. DeWine lacked the courage to challenge the powerful electric utility and coal lobby or temper extreme anti-clean energy legislators. Given these strengths and weaknesses, Gov. DeWine receives a moderate score of 6.6 in the OEC Action Fund’s 133rd General Assembly Scorecard.
“We thank Gov. DeWine for his leadership on improving Ohio’s water quality as well as expanding Ohio’s parks, nature preserves and wildlife areas,” said Taylor-Miesle. “Over the next two years, we hope Gov. DeWine and his administration build upon the success of land and water conservation initiatives and begin taking serious action on energy issues that are so very critical for a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
The OEC Action Fund celebrates House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes (D-HD 34), Rep. Erica Crawley (D-HD 26), Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-SD 16), Rep. Laura Lanese (R-HD 23), Rep. David Leland (D-HD 22), Rep. Allison Russo (D-HD 24) and Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-HD 37) as ‘Protectors’ given their leadership on key environmental legislation and HB 6 defense during the session. “These lawmakers not only championed legislation to secure a healthier environment and a stronger democracy, but also fought for Ohio’s clean energy future in the face of unprecedented corruption,” said Taylor-Miesle.
On the other hand, the OEC Action Fund recognizes Rep. Jamie Callender (R-HD 61), Rep. Larry Householder (R-HD 72), Rep. Jay Edwards (R-HD 94), Rep. William Seitz (R-HD 30) and Rep. Shane Wilkin (R-HD 91) as ‘Polluters’ in the OEC Action Fund’s 133rd General Assembly Scorecard. These legislators have consistently been a roadblock to improving Ohio’s environment, especially when it comes to moving Ohio toward a clean, renewable energy future. These legislators falsely pit economic prosperity and environmental protection against one another, placing corporate polluter interests ahead of Ohioans.
To access the OEC Action Fund’s 133rd General Assembly Scorecard visit: bit.ly/133OHGAscorecard.
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.
Press Inquiries? Please contact ebacha@theoec.org.