Ohio is one of the largest carbon emitters in the U.S. and 26th largest in the world. Sadly, corruption at a level previously unseen in Ohio was unveiled by the energy bill bribery scandal surrounding House Bill 6 (HB6) in 2020. Thus far, the legislative response to this scandal has focused almost exclusively on the bill’s individual policy provisions—nuclear subsidies, coal bailouts, renewable energy portfolio standards, energy efficiency, etc. Comparatively little attention has been given to Ohio’s regulatory framework for monopoly utilities and the necessary structural reforms and safeguards required for accountability, transparency, and equity.

In response, the Ohio Energy Jobs and Justice Act (EJJA) was developed as a comprehensive energy policy initiative that implements equitable, clean energy solutions and carbon reductions. It ensures much-needed accountability, transparency, and Public Utilities Commission (PUCO)reform. Passage of EJJA will require retail electric providers to submit to the PUCO detailed plans reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

Ohio has potential to be a leader in renewable energy. About 20% of U.S. electricity comes from renewable sources (U.S. Energy Information Administration). Contrastingly, Ohio, gets around 3% of its energy from renewables. Women and Black workers are vastly underrepresented in the clean energy workforce, an industry paying higher-than-average wages and the fastest-growing source of jobs in the U.S., according to a new report by a coalition of energy organizations. True energy and manufacturing progress will be successful only when measured by future generations who can value its sustainability. Tell your legislator to support EJJA.

Marcia Schulz

Stow, OH