Senate Passes Repeal of HB 6 Nuclear Subsidies

On March 3, the Ohio Senate approved Senate Bill 44, legislation that repeals the nuclear generation subsidies authorized under House Bill 6. In its report, Gongwer News remarked: “The Senate’s unanimous passage of SB 44 marks a sharp contrast to two years ago when lawmakers were told the up to $150 million a year in state support was needed to stave off closure of two Energy Harbor plants.”

Meanwhile, the House continues work on its own plan to repeal the HB 6 nuke subsides via House Bill 128. Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) has said that HB 128 could receive a committee and floor vote next week. The OMA supports both SB 44 and HB 128, but has called on lawmakers to senators to “finish the job” by also repealing costly customer-paid subsidies for coal power plants owned by OVEC. 3/4/2021