September 30, 2026
OEC Action Fund Decries Statehouse Failure to Address Skyrocketing Energy Bills in Special Legislative Session
For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2026
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org or 614-487-7506
OEC Action Fund Decries Statehouse Failure to Address Skyrocketing Energy Bills in Special Legislative Session
GOP Supermajorities Fail to Rein in Data Center-Driven Energy Bill Spike
Columbus, Ohio — Today, the Ohio House and Ohio Senate held special legislative sessions to address affordability concerns ahead of the November elections. Despite historic increases in energy bills for Ohio families and growing opposition to data center developments driving up costs, the Republican supermajorities in both houses failed to consider any legislation to address these concerns.
Ohio families have seen energy bills skyrocket for months, capping off a 53% increase in energy costs since July of 2021. The rapid expansion of hyperscale data center development is a major driver of these rising costs.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Spencer Dirrig, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“Republican supermajorities in the Ohio House and Senate squandered a golden opportunity to show Ohioans that they hear their concerns about unregulated data center development and the crushing energy bills they’ve caused for families.
“This special session could have produced strong data center regulations, encouraged energy demand reduction programs, and allowed consumers to cut their own bills through distributed generation. They failed to take a single step to bring down energy bills.
“While Ohio families continue to struggle with high energy costs, legislators have returned to their vacation. Ohioans can see clearly that this legislature has no interest in addressing the real issues behind the affordability crisis. OEC Action Fund will continue to represent Ohioans who are demanding real data center regulations at the Statehouse as we advocate for solutions to lower our energy bills.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.
