In October, The Buckeye Institute applauded the Ohio House for introducing a bill that would give the General Assembly oversight over how the state complies with President Obama’s proposed carbon dioxide regulation. We suggested three policy changes to improve the bill, providing even stronger protections for Ohio.

Fortunately, the House bill now includes all three changes proposed in our October 21 analysis, plus one more. This poorly thought out carbon regulation is a big problem for Ohio: it would raise electricity prices enormously and make it next-to-impossible for many Ohio manufacturers to create jobs or even retain their existing workers. President Obama wants the federal government to start controlling energy generation, an area that has long been regulated by states.

The new provisions in the bill (H.B. 349) would require:

1. An extension request. The revised bill would require the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) to seek an extension on the submission of a compliance plan to the federal EPA. The U.S. EPA allows states to seek an extension so long as states share some initial ideas about how to comply. This extension would give OEPA officials more time to hear from stakeholders, such as utility companies and manufacturers, and decide on the best strategy for compliance.
    
2. A cost estimate. OEPA would need to submit a report on how the electric grid’s cost and reliability would change under any carbon regulation compliance plan. This is a common sense policy. Only a fool would let a mechanic begin major work on a car without getting a cost estimate.
    
3. A vote today. Under the new bill, OEPA would need approval from the legislature before submitting a compliance plan to Washington. Again, this is common sense. Ohioans’ elected representatives should have a say on this major state policy.
    
4. A vote tomorrow. The carbon regulation will affect Ohio for a long time—at least until 2030. If OEPA submits a smart plan to the federal government, then a new gubernatorial administration later decides to radically change it, the legislature should be able to say “yes” or “no.” In other words, Ohioans deserve the same transparency and accountability in the future as they’re entitled today.

The House has produced a strong and well-written bill. It would enhance the transparency and accountability of the “Obamacare for electricity” compliance process while still giving Gov. John Kasich and the OEPA the ability to do their jobs.