March 19, 2025
OEC Action Fund Statement on Senate Bill 2
For Immediate Release:
March 19, 2025
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
kwallace@theoec.org or 614-487-7506
OEC Action Fund Statement on Senate Bill 2
Columbus, OH — The OEC Action Fund applauds the Ohio Senate for passing Senate Bill 2 (SB 2). This legislation will finally repeal the Legacy Generation Resource Rider in Ohio, which is bailing out two costly, polluting coal plants at the expense of consumers. This repeal will save consumers over $600 million over the next five years without impacting reliability.
This legislation also improves the utility ratemaking process, removing Electricity Security Plans (ESPs), which allow utilities to come to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for permission to collect money from customers without the complete oversight of a standard rate case. In addition, SB 2 creates voluntary demand response programs, allowing customers to opt into programs that compensate them for reducing energy leading to improved grid reliability.
As complementary legislation progresses in the Ohio House, the OEC Action Fund urges an extension of the expedited timelines for the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) process. This change would provide Ohioans with a greater opportunity to share their viewpoints on major generating facilities being established in their communities.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“Today, the Ohio Senate passed expansive energy legislation that will put an end to six years of Ohioans footing the bill for outdated and polluting coal plants. This legislation is a major step forward, cutting energy costs for Ohio families and ensuring that energy companies are subject to transparent oversight. In addition, SB 2 creates voluntary demand response programs, which allow customers to opt into programs that compensate them for reducing energy and improving grid reliability.
“As similar legislation in the House moves forward, we call on legislative leaders to, first and foremost, protect the immediate repeal of the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) Coal Plant bailouts. Additionally, the OEC Action Fund would like to see extended timelines for the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) process to better allow Ohioans to voice their perspectives regarding major generating facilities being put in their communities. With those changes, Ohio’s leaders can take a major step in moving Ohio towards a more consumer-friendly, transparent energy system.”
###
The OEC Action Fund seeks to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.
