Ohio House Passes Controversial Nuclear Bail Out Bill

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Ohio's House has passed a controversial piece of legislation to bail out Ohio's nuclear and coal plants. The House passed HB 6 on Tuesday 51-38.

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Supporters of the plan say it provides a savings to Ohio's electric ratepayers and saves jobs. But opponents argue that it cuts energy efficiency and renewable energy standards.

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Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) said the legislation is good news for the state’s consumers and economy. He says the plan will save Ohio's electric customers $1.3-billion.

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“We are reducing consumers’ bills, repealing wasteful government mandates and keeping good-paying jobs here in Ohio,” Householder said. “This is legislation that makes sense for the ratepayers of Ohio.”

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The legislation, the result of nearly 65 hours of testimony in the legislature, was given final approval today by the House, which concurred in changes made by the Senate. It had 51 affirmative votes and 38 negative votes and now goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.

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Electric ratepayers will save more than $1.3 billion over the next nine years under the plan. The average residential ratepayer will see an immediate reduction in their bill starting in 2020. Starting in 2021, the average ratepayer will save $2.77 per month and by 2028 they will save $3.78 per month.

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The measure also supports zero carbon electric generation. It phases out all of Ohio’s electric mandates, instead replacing them with a reduced flat charge meant to support zero carbon energy.

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The state’s two nuclear plants – Davis-Besse and Perry, both in northern Ohio – generate approximately 15 percent of Ohio’s electricity and 90 percent of the state’s zero carbon energy. More than 4,000 jobs are tied to the state’s nuclear industry, which means more than $500 million to Ohio’s gross domestic product.

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Supporters also say the plan will also support the continued development of large scale solar projects in Ohio, which will increase the amount of zero carbon power generated in Ohio.

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Opponents of HB 6 say the legislation does not protect consumers, calling it a clear effort to gut the state's clean energy laws.

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Daniel Sawmiller, Ohio energy policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council says it's irresponsible economic policy.

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“While the rest of the nation is adding jobs left and right from one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, Ohio is sending a clear signal to the clean energy sector that they are not welcome in the state. HB 6 is irresponsible economic policy. And if this mess of a bill passes, the rest of the nation will be looking closely at Ohio’s statehouse trying to understand the motivations for a bill that is so far out of line with what is happening everywhere else.


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