Why is Mike Dewine still choosing to defend those at the heart of the House Bill 6 scandal rather than standing up for Ohioans?

Every day, new details emerge that put the House Bill 6 FirstEnergy scandal one step closer to Governor Mike DeWine’s office. There is no denying Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted knew of former PUCO Chairman Sam Randazzo’s close ties to FirstEnergy when he was appointed for the job. They chose to let the fox guard the hen house, disregarded multiple public warnings, and now they are trying to hide from the truth.

More Empty Promises

The DeWine Administration has created a culture in Ohio where utilities are in control of politics and policy decisions. Now, they are backtracking, hoping Ohioans won’t notice the flip flop. On January 12, Governor DeWine told the Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial board that he doesn’t support a “remnant of the scandal-ridden House Bill 6 that requires Ohio ratepayers to subsidize an Indiana coal-fired power plant.” He also pledged his campaign would no longer accept any political contributions from FirstEnergy Corporation. Finally, he hinted he was open “in principle” to making some changes regarding how the Public PUCO members are chosen.

But these are nothing more than empty promises! For years, Governor DeWine has had the power to oppose the House Bill 6 coal subsidies and make changes at the PUCO, yet no actions have been taken. In fact, Governor DeWine just reappointed a PUCO Commissioner who has represented regulated utilities for more than 30 years. Furthermore, he pledged to reject FirstEnergy campaign contributions at a time when the utility has suspended making political donations. Now that the cash is flowing again, will he keep that promise? He just accepted $13,000 from AEP right before they turned off the lights for 250,000 Central Ohio customers.

The Buck Stops with You, Governor

Governor DeWine has often been quoted as saying the “buck stops with me.” Will he put his actual money where his mouth is? Campaign cash from Ohio’s top utilities have given them free reign over energy policy for far too long. If the buck truly does stop with Governor DeWine’s office, then he must donate to charity all campaign contributions received from regulated electric utilities and pledge not to accept any new contributions moving forward.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted–will you pledge to donate all electric utility campaign contributions to charity and reject any future donations from regulated electric utilities? 

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted should not benefit from those who benefited from House Bill 6. Don’t let Ohio continue to foster a culture of corruption!

MORE BREAKING NEWS EVERYDAY.

August 3

Columbus Dispatch

“FBI subpoenaed records detail ex-PUCO chairman Sam Randazzo’s influence on
energy policy.’”

July 23

Energy News Network

“How federal investigators say FirstEnergy placed Ohio utility regulator Sam
Randazzo in a key role.”

July 21

Statehouse News Bureau

“Coal subsidies and gutted renewable standards remain two years after
Householder’s bribery arrest.”

July 29

Ohio Capital Journal

“Regulators block deposition of FirstEnergy’s former ethics chief.”

June 9

Ohio News

“Ohio advocacy group hits Gov. DeWine over HB 6 scandal in new video: ‘The Bribery Bunch.’”

May 20

Energy News Network

“Former PUCO chair texted he knew FirstEnergy charge was likely unlawful, but company would keep money anyway.”

May 3

Ohio Capital Journal

“Dark money helped utilities subsidize coal plants, delaying climate action at ratepayers’ expense.”

April 12

Ohio Capital Journal

“FirstEnergy fights to slow-walk subpoena for records tied to bribery case.”

April 11

Cleveland.com

“Gov. Mike DeWine was warned about Sam Randazzo before PUCO appointment: The Wake Up for Monday, April 11, 2022.”

April 12

Ohio Capital Journal

“FirstEnergy fights to slow-walk subpoena for records tied to bribery case.”

April 10

Cleveland.com

Gov. Mike DeWine was cautioned about Sam Randazzo before PUCO appointment.

April 4

Ohio Capital Journal

“Former DeWine aide warned governor about utility regulator before the FBI raided his home.”

Videos: Each Week Ohioans Demand Better From Governor DeWine

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