❌ SB294
Declare the state's energy siting policy
Summary
The bill establishes Ohio's energy siting policy, defining terms such as 'affordable energy source,' 'reliable energy source,' and 'clean energy source.' It mandates that applications for utility facility certificates prioritize affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources, with an emphasis on domestic production and minimizing reliance on foreign adversaries. Advanced nuclear energy technology is explicitly excluded from the definition of affordable energy sources.
Rationale
The bill imposes government-defined criteria for energy sources, which conflicts with the LP's emphasis on individual choice and free markets. The LPO's support for free markets and opposition to government mandates aligns with some aspects of the bill, but the prioritization of domestic production and government-defined energy classifications introduces mixed elements.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government control over energy markets
- Potential for cronyism in energy source selection
- Restrictions on individual choice in energy consumption