COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) commends Gov. Mike DeWine for vetoing “economic development” language in the state’s operating budget (House Bill 33) that would have made significant, anti-consumer changes to Ohio utility law.
Specifically, the vetoed provisions (item 12) would have allowed both electric and natural gas utility companies to charge customers hundreds of millions of dollars to fund infrastructure for speculative economic development. The language would have also eroded important consumer protections. Read this OMA memo for details.
“The OMA appreciates the work of Ohio’s legislators and Governor DeWine to deliver a balanced budget that funds important priorities, including vital workforce development initiatives,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “We recognize that writing a new budget is a massive undertaking that requires balance and compromise.
“The utility-related language vetoed by the governor this week would have rewarded energy utilities with ratepayer dollars for potentially unnecessary projects while weakening customer protections. With energy costs surging, this would have been the worst possible timing for such a substantial legislative change.
“Manufacturers comprise the largest segment of Ohio’s electric customers. While the OMA strongly supports economic development that boosts our state’s competitiveness, we must have guardrails that protect consumers from ratepayer-funded giveaways that only benefit utility companies.
“On behalf of energy customers throughout Ohio, the OMA thanks the governor for his leadership on this critical issue.”
The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association is Ohio’s largest statewide business association comprised solely of manufacturers. Established in 1910, the OMA’s mission is to protect and grow Ohio manufacturing. It represents manufacturers of all sizes in every subsector of the industry. Manufacturing is Ohio’s largest economic sector, employing nearly 700,000 Ohioans and contributing more than $134 billion annually to the economy. Visit ohiomfg.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
