Ohio Governor Reverses Course, Asks For House Bill 6 Repeal

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine walked back his support of House Bill 6 on Thursday.

House Bill 6 provided a $1.3 billion bailout for two FirstEnergy nuclear plants in Ohio. The legislation is now at the heart of a racketeering investigation involving Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other political figures.

"While this policy, in my opinion, is good, the process by which it was created is terrible. It stinks," DeWine said. "I ask the legislature to repeal and replace House Bill 6 through an open process the public can have full confidence in."

The governor said nuclear power is key to Ohio's future energy policy and to maintaining the 1,500 jobs supported by FirstEnergy's two nuclear plants. However, he conceded the legislation's process must restore faith in government. He called House Bill 6 "tainted."

"What's really at stake is the ability of Ohio to maintain carbon-free and cleaner energy," DeWine said. "The policy is clear to me. I think this is good policy. But the most important thing that exists is public trust."

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted echoed DeWine's comments, saying the legislation has to be passed "the right way" and with "public consideration in mind."

During a news conference on Wednesday, DeWine initially stated he did not support repealing House Bill 6.

"My position on this predated the bill. Our position has been that we need nuclear power. We need non-carbon polluting energy," DeWine said Wednesday.

Democrats in the Ohio House have already rolled out a proposal to repeal House Bill 6. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Michael Skindell and Rep. Michael O'Brien. State Rep. Randi Clites vowed her support for the repeal on Wednesday.

A FirstEnergy spokesperson said the company has been asked to participate in the Department of Justice's investigation. The following statement was forwarded to Patch:

This afternoon, FirstEnergy Corp.received subpoenas in connection with the investigation surrounding Ohio House Bill 6. We are reviewing the details of the investigation and we intend to fully cooperate.

Reporting and writing from The Associated Press were used in this report