Ohio lawmakers pass bill to cut renewable requirement, help nuclear and coal

Enlarge / Water vapor is emitted from the cooling towers of the FirstEnergy Corp. Perry Nuclear Generating Station in Perry, Ohio, U.S., on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. (credit: David Maxwell/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This week, lawmakers in Ohio's House of Representatives voted 53-43 in favor of a controversial bill that would permit a consumer-funded subsidy for nuclear plants and possibly for ailing coal plants as well.
The bill would also end Ohio's renewable portfolio standard, which required that the state's utilities to obtain 12.5 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2027. Instead, that renewable portfolio standard is replaced by smaller steps to bolster renewable power, but environmental groups say the bill is a step in the wrong direction.
A version of House Bill 6 has now been introduced to the state's Senate. If it passes there, it will likely become law due to the Governor's support of the bill.
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