Buckeye Reporter

Columbus, OH – A new report titled "Better Energy Policy for Ohio" has been released by The Buckeye Institute in collaboration with Americans for Prosperity-Ohio. The document highlights the energy challenges faced by Ohio and proposes principles for lawmakers to develop improved energy policies.

Rea S. Hederman, vice president of policy and executive director of the Economic Research Center at The Buckeye Institute, stated, “Government regulations and taxpayer-funded subsidies have rewarded inefficiencies, hampered competition, and increased the price of the energy.” He emphasized that "Ohioans deserve a better, smarter, more principled energy policy that reduces bureaucratic red tape and helps ensure a healthy supply of affordable, reliable energy." He urged policymakers to act promptly to avert a potential crisis.

The report criticizes current government regulations for making reliable energy more costly and endangering the region's power grid. It recommends six guiding principles for reforming Ohio's energy policies:

1. End taxpayer-funded government subsidies: This approach is said to hinder innovation and competition by making energy more expensive.

2. Focus on energy reliability and affordability: Policies should guarantee that Ohio’s power grid can meet growing demands while remaining functional during adverse weather conditions.

3. Improve permitting processes: State policies should aim to streamline rules and make permitting for energy infrastructure more efficient.

4. Encourage voluntary environmental policies: Communities should voluntarily adopt practices that maintain cleanliness without being forced into potentially costly purchases.

5. Ensure abundant energy availability: Energy policies should focus on keeping it affordable and accessible.

6. Promote transparency and competition: Energy companies need to be transparent about their environmental impacts while regulators encourage fair competition.

Donovan O'Neil, AFP-Ohio state director, remarked on the partnership between AFP-Ohio and The Buckeye Institute as paving the way for transformative changes in Ohio’s energy policy. He noted that “the six principles outlined in this report provide a clear roadmap” towards consumer-centered policymaking.

The report was co-authored by Rea S. Hederman Jr., vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, alongside Greg R. Lawson from the same organization.