COLUMBUS – As Democratic lawmakers make an effort to fast-track the repeal of a controversial energy bailout at the center of a bribery scandal, a new poll shows Ohioans of various political viewpoints agree that they are in favor of getting rid of the law.
Democratic Reps. Michael Skindell, of Lakewood, and Michael O’Brien, of Warren, announced Friday they will file a discharge petition to bring bipartisan legislation to repeal House Bill 6 to the floor for a vote this week.
“Our constituents are telling us that this issue requires our immediate attention and action, and every day that passes further erodes the public’s trust in this institution and in each of us,” the two wrote in a letter to members of the Ohio House.
Skindell and O’Brien introduced repeal legislation on July 29, which has yet to be referred to a committee, so they plan to use a provision in the House rules that allows the discharge of a bill from a committee after 30 days of inaction.
The passage of H.B. 6 in 2019 has come under scrutiny in recent weeks following the arrest and indictment of former Republican Speaker Larry Householder and several close associates in an alleged $60 million bribery and corruption scheme to pass the bill.
Meanwhile, a recent poll found 64% of Ohio voters oppose the measure and want it repealed.
“It needs to be repealed now, and we need to have an honest conversation, without bribery allegations, about what Ohioans need for an energy future,” said Miranda Leppla of the Ohio Environmental Council.
The law, signed by Gov. Mike DeWine, rolls back the state’s clean-energy and efficiency standards and provided a $1.3 billion bailout for two failing nuclear power plants, paid for by all Ohio utility customers.
“If we don’t move quickly, then starting January 1st, Ohio ratepayers are going to have to start paying for this really bad legislation. We’re going to lose energy efficiency, we’re going to have to start paying for a nuclear bailout. That’s just not fair to the Ohio ratepayer,” said Tyler Duvelius, executive director of the Ohio Conservative Energy Forum
Seven out of ten voters polled said they would likely sign a petition to place H.B. 6 on the ballot for repeal if the Legislature doesn’t act.