Former FirstEnergy Lobbyist Resigns From PUCO Council

Gov. Mike DeWine has replaced two members of the council that selects nominees for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). One of the council members, Michael Koren, was the longtime chair of the group and a lobbyist for FirstEnergy.

According to Cleveland.com (subscription), Koren, who lobbied for passage of the scandal-tainted House Bill 6, submitted his resignation Jan. 25, citing medical reasons.

“Even with Koren’s departure, three other members of the 12-member PUCO nominating council have ties to HB 6,” the Plain Dealer notes. “Other current members of the nominating council have been vocal HB 6 opponents, including attorney Kim Bojko, energy counsel for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association.”

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have told news media that the HB 6-related public corruption trial of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder could occur sometime this fall. 1/27/2022