Columbus, OH — The 133rd General Assembly adjourned last night without taking any action to repeal House Bill 6. Despite rumors of a full or partial repeal of House Bill 6 swirling since the arrest of former Speaker of the House Larry Householder and four others, and multiple repeal bills introduced in both chambers, no action was taken.
From the outset, the OEC Action Fund was strongly opposed to House Bill 6. This legislation was always a bad deal for Ohioans, sticking us with dirtier air and higher utility bills while gutting our clean energy future. When news of the corruption scandal broke in July, the OEC Action Fund called for the immediate and full repeal of the bad bill.
The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Last night, we watched the legislature adjourn without taking any action on House Bill 6, despite ongoing revelations of the largest bribery scandal in Ohio history.
“Simply put, they failed Ohioans.
“Our people will pay more, Ohio will be less competitive, and our air will be dirtier because of their ideological failures and the alleged criminal activity that led to the passage of House Bill 6. Lawmakers should think hard about their legacies, because their inaction since the scandal broke is nothing less than embarrassing and dangerous for Ohio’s future.
“Our state and our people deserve better than lip service and excuses. A full repeal is needed to restore faith in our state government. The OEC Action Fund will continue to demand this corrupt legislation be peeled off the books in 2021, and we hope that new leadership in the legislature will take these calls seriously.”
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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.
For press inquiries, please email ebacha@theoec.org