Rep. Antonio Applauds Vetoes of Energy Standards 'Goals'

From the Ohio House of Representatives: House Minority Whip Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) expressed support for vetoes of several bills, including House Bill (HB) 554, legislation to change the state’s energy efficiency standards to unenforceable “goals” through 2019.

“HB 554 was a poorly-disguised extension of the energy standards freeze, which harms the state’s economic growth, the environment, and most importantly the health and well-being of Ohio families,” said Antonio. “Today’s veto helps put Ohio back on the path toward pursuing sensible energy policies that save consumers money, create thousands of manufacturing-based jobs, and help reduce pollution. I will continue to support and push for stronger renewable energy standards and cleaner energy options for all Ohioans.”

Antonio also applauded the veto of Senate Bill (SB) 329, a sweeping bill passed in the eleventh hour of lame duck session that would have given the legislature new power to dissolve executive-branch state agencies. Under SB 329, some 25 state agencies would be forced to spend extra money and resources every four years to defend against elimination based on a number of factors, including the potential for privatization, and a regulations evaluation against other states.

“State departments provide vital services to all Ohioans and are already overseen by the legislature through the normal state budget process. To allow the legislature to simply not renew a department would create unnecessary gridlock and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Antonio. “Vetoing Senate Bill 329 was the right move to prevent governmental dysfunction and protect Ohio families.”

The governor also line-item vetoed several tax provisions of SB 235, including a tax exemption for oil and gas producers and another for digital entertainment downloads.

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