Repeal bribe-based nuclear subsidies; keep solar subsidies
HB128: Revise electric utility service law; repeal portions of HB 6 of the 133rd General Assembly, limiting [subsidies] to solar resources the credit payment provisions of HB 6, and to provide refunds to retail electric customers in the state.
Reuters News Summary: Ohio's Senate passed a House bill that would repeal nuclear subsidies for Energy Harbor Corp's Davis-Besse and Perry reactors. In 2019, the legislature passed HB6 to keep the money losing nuclear plants in service to
preserve jobs, tax revenues and because the reactors generate energy without carbon dioxide emissions. But HB6, which would pay Energy Harbor about $1 billion over six years, became tainted after it was revealed that it passed through alleged acts of
bribery.
Legislative Summary: Passed Senate 33-0-0 on Mar/24/21; Passed House 89-0-10 on Mar/25/21; Signed by Governor Mike DeWine on Mar/31/21.
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Clean energy & energy efficiency are job engines, but also "keys to addressing climate change that threatens the
Great Lakes & Ohio farmland."
Mike DeWine (R): No. Challenged Obama Administration's Clean Power Plan: "Will dramatically increase Ohioans' electric rates while. offering less reliable service & few tangible environmental benefits."
Q: Government support for renewable energy?
Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Increase requirement for utilities to generate electricity from renewable sources.
Believes this can play key role in revitalizing economy.