Columbus, OH — The Ohio House today passed House Bill (HB) 128. HB 128 repeals nuclear subsidies and creates a PUCO-approved mechanism to refund money to ratepayers; repeals significantly excessive earnings test (SEET) provisions that benefited FirstEnergy; and repeals the decoupling provision that was yet another handout to FirstEnergy. However, HB 128 does not repeal Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) subsidies; does not reinstate Ohio’s renewable energy standards; and does not reinstate the state’s energy efficiency standards. Simply put, it does not repeal the portions of HB 6 most detrimental to Ohio’s environment.
In response, the following statement can be attributed in full or part to Miranda Leppla, Vice President of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“HB 128 is not the full repeal of HB 6 that Ohioans want and deserve. While this legislation is a positive step in the right direction for Ohio energy consumers, HB 128 does nothing to improve Ohio’s air quality and does not address carbon emissions. HB 128 does not repeal coal plant subsidies, fails to restore cost-saving energy efficiency investments, and does nothing to unleash Ohio's renewable energy potential stifled by HB 6.
“The OEC Action Fund remains dedicated to the full repeal of HB 6. We commend legislators for taking the beginning steps to repeal portions of HB 6 that were fueled by corporate greed and corruption. We continue to call on Ohio lawmakers to repeal the subsidies for the coal plants and reinstate Ohio's renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, because that is what’s best for Ohioans’ health, wallets, and our environment.”
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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.