Today, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chair Sam Randazzo resigned. The resignation comes after the FBI raided Mr. Randazzo’s Columbus home on Monday and a financial disclosure by FirstEnergy was released on Thursday indicating that a $4 million payment was made to a former consulting firm associated with an individual that was later appointed as a state regulator responsible for overseeing electric utilities.
The following statement can be attributed in full or in part to Heather Taylor-Miesle, President of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“We opposed the appointment of Sam Randazzo as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) because he was ideologically biased against clean energy. Mr. Randazzo’s decades-long history of advocating against clean energy raised serious concerns about whether he would be able to support and carry out Governor DeWine’s stated “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. Decisions made by the PUCO and the Ohio Power Siting Board, under his tenure, indicated and confirmed his deep biases against renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“Ideological differences aside, the corrupt attempts to stifle Ohio’s clean energy future must be stopped. Public trust in state regulators and policymakers must be restored. That starts with Ohio lawmakers stepping up, and immediately repealing House Bill 6 in its entirety. It continues with the appointment of a fair and ethical PUCO Chairperson. And that continues further with all Ohio lawmakers doubling down on their commitments to vote for stronger anti-corruption legislation. Ohioans deserve better.”
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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.
Media inquiries: ebacha@theoec.org