Columbus, OH — When news broke last summer that former House Speaker Householder and four additional co-conspirators were arrested in a $61M federal racketeering case related to the passage of House Bill 6, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund called for its immediate repeal and for resignation of all those involved. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the corruption scandal breaking, the OEC Action Fund renews its call to fully repeal this legislation.
The following statement on this news can be attributed in full or part to Trish Demeter, Chief of Staff the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“House Bill 6 was always a bad deal for Ohioans, sticking us with dirtier air and higher utility bills while gutting our clean energy future. A year after learning about the appalling corruption scheme surrounding the bill’s passage, some of the most egregious portions of the HB 6 remain.
“While it may appear that legislative leaders have fully restored the public’s trust by repealing portions of the bill and ousting former House Speaker Larry Householder, the worst parts of HB 6 are still on the books. By continuing to subsidize two of our region’s dirtiest and most polluting coal plants, HB 6 continues to make our air harder to breathe while draining the wallets of Ohio consumers. HB 6 also gutted Ohio’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards which continues to set us back in the fight against climate change.
“Ohioans deserve better. Our lawmakers should be working to create a sustainable future for all Ohioans. Ohio’s future is bright if we embrace clean energy and center equitable policies that ensure the benefits support those historically and disproportionately harmed by Ohio’s regressive energy policies. We call on Ohio lawmakers to fully repeal HB 6 and support legislation that creates a more equitable clean energy future for all Ohioans.”
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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