COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine greenlit a contentious legislative move on Thursday, signing off on a measure that could potentially burden consumers with increased natural gas bills to fund projects that may never come to fruition.
Proponents of House Bill 201 argue that it serves as a catalyst for economic growth in Ohio, promising an influx of jobs. However, detractors contend that the legislation exacerbates financial strain on consumers.
The bill introduces amendments to state law, permitting natural gas companies to pass on costs to customers for various purposes, including infrastructure upgrades, extensions, and planning expenses for proposed projects that may never materialize.
While the charges are capped at $1.50 per month for customers, the legislation allows utilities to collect these fees for an extended period, raising concerns. According to Ohio’s Legislative Budget Office, the current charges from the state’s four largest gas companies fall below the specified cap.
Proponents, including state economic development leaders, argue that the legislation will pave the way for Ohio to attract businesses with the necessary infrastructure.
Critics highlight the absence of traditional consumer protections in Ohio law for the charges imposed on consumers by the legislation. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel warned that consumers might be burdened with charges for completed projects for years.
Originally intended to prevent Ohio from following California’s path in mandating emission standards, the legislation has evolved amidst a growing national debate on environmental policies. Last year, California adopted rules requiring new vehicles to be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035, according to the Associated Press.